A third standalone bar, called Hive 435, could be on its way to downtown St. George – The Spectrum

A rendering of the inside of Hive 435, a bar proposed inside the new City View development in downtown St. George. If granted all the proper permits, the upscale bar would be the city's third standalone drinking establishment.(Photo: Courtesy Cameron Payne)

A third bar in St. Georges historic downtown core is inching closer to reality.

The citys planning commission on Tuesday gave its nod of approval to a conditional use permit for a new upscale bar located just off Main Street and St. George Boulevard.

That bar, called Hive 435, would be located on the ground floor of the new City View development in the heart of downtown.

Owner Cameron Payne billed the proposed bar as an upscale drinking establishment, aimed at attracting a business professional local crowd and draw visitors staying at the luxury Advenire boutique hotel, just a short walk away.

We want to have a nightlife down here in St. George, Payne said in a phone call with The Spectrum. Basically (Hive 435) is a tap house; well have anywhere for 30 to 50 taps, a full liquor bar and well also do wine as well.

In addition to the drinks, Hive 435 would also have a small kitchen and a dart room that doubles as a multifunction room.Payne envisions that space holding events like yoga and mimosas on the weekends.

However, Hive 435 has more hurdles to cross before it becomes more than just a proposal.

The Advenire, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, and Wood Ash Rye prepare for their official opening in the heart of downtown St. George Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020.(Photo: Chris Caldwell / The Spectrum & Daily News)

The bars conditional use permit still must be approved by the city council its expected to be on their agenda in the near future and Payne will have to get a liquor license from the state.

Just four permits for stand-alone bars exist in St. Georges historic downtown, with two already spoken for. The existing permits belong to Wood Ash Rye, the bar inside The Advenire Hotel, and Zion Brewings Station II bar.

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While there are plenty of restaurants where you can order a drink with food, standalone bars are a relatively new addition to the city. Its been less than a year since Station II, St. Georges first full-fledged watering hole, opened its doors in late 2019.

The four bar permits aren't just the only permits available in the downtown arts district, they're the only standalone bar permits available city-wide. Other restaurants and establishments have city-issued alcohol licenses, but they are either limited to a certain type of beverage or must be served with food.

A rendering of the inside of Hive 435, a bar proposed inside the new City View development in downtown St. George. If granted all the proper permits, the upscale bar would be the city's third standalone drinking establishment.(Photo: Courtesy Cameron Payne)

Payne said thestandalone bar permits can be "super tough" to get approved for.

After the approval of Station II in early 2019, which passed through city council with little hesitation, the permit for Wood Ash Rye caused consternation among some city lawmakers less than two months later illustrating St. Georges conservative alcoholic history.

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While were talking about this, I think its important that we realize where we live, Councilman Jimmy Hughes said in the April 4, 2019 meeting that granted Wood Ash Rye its bar permit. Its not just a Utah thing, other places in the United States have done and experimented with dry counties there are some valid concerns from the community, especially our community which has a long history of being somewhat dry.

Despite the concerns, the council voted unanimously to grant Wood Ash Rye its bar permit.

The Advenire, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, and Wood Ash Rye prepare for their official opening in the heart of downtown St. George Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020.(Photo: Chris Caldwell / The Spectrum & Daily News)

If granted its permits, Hive 435 aims to foster an upscale atmosphere reflective of St. Georges historic downtown district.

Local beers and mixed drinks will be served from behind a 37-foot bar and a kitchen will serve a small yet local menu, according to the bars permit application with the city.

Seating will be communal, which Im not sure is a good idea right now, Payne joked, referencing the COVID-19 pandemic, and there will be a banquet room that doubles as a dart room.

If all goes to plan, and Payne is granted permits from both the city and the state, he hopes to open Hive 435 by January or February 2021, just in time for southern Utahs tourist season to start ramping up.

Sam Gross covers the outdoors and development in Southern Utah for The St. George Spectrum & Daily News.Support his work by subscribing to TheSpectrum.com.

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A third standalone bar, called Hive 435, could be on its way to downtown St. George - The Spectrum