A new establishment called The 1866 Saloon is being proposed for 321 N. Main Street in Florence, in a building that has been vacant for 15-20 years. The Florence Town Council voted 7-0 at their October 21, 2024 meeting to recommend approval of a liquor license for the business.
The location of the proposed saloon is on historic main street in Florence, AZ just north of The Irish Cowboy.
The application says that the 1866 saloon is under the The Irish Cowboy LCC business entity.
The Series 006 Bar License application would allow for the sale of beer, wine, and spirits for on-site consumption without a food service requirement. The license also permits off-premises sales of beer and wine in sealed containers, though such sales cannot exceed 30% of total liquor sales.
Questions about construction readiness emerged during the council meeting. Community Development officials reported that while building permits have not yet been pulled, the owners are in discussions with the department about requirements. The establishment cannot begin serving alcohol until it receives a certificate of occupancy.
The property is zoned as Highway Commercial (B-2), which permits alcohol-serving establishments. Both the Police Department and Community Development Department reviewed the application and reported no concerns to the council.
The Town Clerk’s office posted the required public hearing notice on October 1, 2024, maintaining it for the mandatory 20 days. No public comments, either for or against the application, were received. While the town council hearing has concluded, the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control maintains final authority over the license approval.
