A change in Downtown South Bend liquor licenses is motivating some business owners.The city has gotten approval to expand the riverfront liquor license distric

The city has gotten approval to expand the riverfront liquor license district from 1,500 feet to 3,000 feet.

Monday night, South Bend’s Common Council approved allowing restaurants within 3,000 feet of the river in downtown to buy a three-way liquor license for only $2,000 a year. This allows for the sale of beer, wine, and spirits.

Normally, those can cost up to $60,000.

That lowers the price barrier for those interested in opening restaurants and other venues.