A pizza spot across the street from Liberty Park in Salt Lake City wants to serve wine and beer — but it needs an OK from the city first.

Via Veneto Pizzarium, at 511 E. 900 South, is one of the first businesses to take advantage of a change in Utah law that allows restaurants near parks to get liquor licenses if their city consents and their application is approved by the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS).

It would be the first time such a variance, or exception, has been granted in almost a decade, according to a DABS spokesperson.

Via Veneto is seeking an exemption from the law that would typically restrict restaurants from receiving a liquor license if a “community location” is within 300 feet of the patron entrance as a pedestrian would walk, or within 200 feet of the patron entrance as measured in a straight line.

“Community locations” include churches, public and private schools, libraries, parks and playgrounds. The law allows restaurants to request a variance if they are too close to a park, library or playground. But restaurants too close to a church or a school still can’t seek a proximity exemption that would allow them to get a liquor license.

Via Veneto co-owner Amy Stevanoni presented her case to the Salt Lake City Council on Tuesday and said, “Liberty Park is a cherished part of Salt Lake City, and maintaining its safe and family-oriented environment is important to everyone. Granting Via Veneto Pizzarium this waiver would not compromise that goal.”

“The ability to enjoy a slice of pizza with a drink is a standard amenity in most cities and has consistently demonstrated no negative impact on public behavior, safety or community spaces,” Stevanoni continued.

The public has 30 days to provide comment on the restaurant’s request for an exemption.

The City Council will vote on the variance at its meeting on Aug. 18. Chris Wharton, who represents District 3, and Erika Carlsen, who represents District 5, expressed support for Via Veneto’s request but didn’t make any further comments.

If the City Council consents to a proximity exemption for a liquor license, the restaurant’s next step would be to submit its completed application for a liquor license to the DABS.

If Via Veneto gets consent from the city, the soonest its application would be considered is at the commission meeting on Sept. 24, said DABS spokesperson Michelle Schmitt. If its application is approved by the DABS, the restaurant would receive its liquor license soon after.

Silverside Deli, at 2121 S. McClelland St., Suite 108 in Sugar House, is planning to move to the building behind them, and they’re also seeking an exemption because, according to the proximity requirements, they would be too close to the Sprague Branch library on Highland Drive to receive a liquor license.

On Tuesday, the Salt Lake City Council will receive a briefing on Silverside Deli’s request for a variance, and then the public will have 30 days to comment on the request before the council votes on it.

Before 2017, the DABS’ liquor commission had the authority to grant variances if a restaurant or bar was too close to a community location. Schmitt said no variances were allowed between 2017 and 2026.

According to the DABS website, previously granted variances are honored even if there has been a change of ownership. If there is a change of ownership, the variance will stay in place unless the license type changes, or there’s a period of time when the premises are used for different purposes.

Correction, July 20 at 12:56 p.m.: This story has been updated to accurately reflect the commission that had the authority to grant variances prior to 2017.