The beloved neighborhood cider shop Yonder Bar is back in action with their garage-based venture, thanks to a new bill passed by Seattle City Council on Monday.
The new legislation—co-sponsored by City Councilmembers Dan Strauss and Lorena Gonzales and titled “Bringing Business Home, a Small Business Flexibility Bill"—allows more flexibility for small businesses to operate out of homes. The bill was passed on March 15 on an 8-1 vote, loosening restrictions to allow for food and beverage retailers, such as Yonder Bar, to do business at home.
Yonder Bar, which opened as a walk-up cider stand last summer in the garage belonging to the owners, has been a favorite for neighbors along 1st Ave NW. Yonder was forced to close in February after several complaints were filed, pointing to land-use violations.
When Councilmembers Strauss and Gonzales learned about the situation, they drafted the bill to help small businesses like Yonder Bar operating.
"The land-use code is not set up to be responsive to emerging needs, such as the changing environment created by the pandemic,” Strauss said in a statement about the legislation.
“Knowing that small businesses are already struggling, or in many cases going under, I knew swift and immediate action was very necessary. This legislation provides flexibility to local entrepreneurs to survive and thrive through the pandemic. Bringing Business Home prioritizes small businesses and families, and ensures zoning laws reflect the emergent needs of our community.”
Under the new bill, small businesses no longer have to follow regulations that required sales to be via appointment only and eliminates rules around parking and traffic surrounding the home business. And previously, only one non-resident could work in the business. Those rules have all been scrapped, and businesses are now also allowed more prominent signage for their home business.
The new legislation is set to expire in 2022, at which point the City can vote to extend it further.
Yonder Bar has reopened their walk-up shop at 7800 1st Ave NW; visit them on Facebook for hours and more information.
Photo: Yonder Bar owner Caitlin Braam and Councilmember Dan Strauss | courtesy Yonder Cider on Facebook