BARTOW - A proposed church in a commercial area in South Lakeland may trigger issues for any planned restaurants or bars that want to serve alcohol.

County commissioners are expected to hear an appeal by Word-Up Ministries at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday that would allow the church to open in a commercial corridor next to restaurants, such as Miller's Ale House and the former Louie Mack's Steakhouse.

If commissioners approve the plan then it would require any new owner to appear before the county's board of adjustments for a variance to serve alcohol.

Currently, beer and wine cannot be sold within 1,000 feet of a religious institution. Liquor cannot be sold within 2,500 feet.

The law would not apply to the current restaurants. But if, for example, a new restaurant opens in the nearby Louie Mack's location, that owner would be required to seek a variance if the church opens.

"It's rare we have this conflict," said Erik Peterson, a planner with the county. "Most churches don't locate in commercial areas."

Peterson added that planners are working on a stipulation in which the sale of alcohol would be permitted near churches in commercial areas.

He said that new rule should be before the Planning Commission in April.

The Planning Commission voted 3-3 on the church's proposal, denying the request. The church would be located just north of West Brannen Road in a commercial strip.

County commissioners questioned the plan.

"If the roles were reversed, we would simply say you can't do that," Commissioner George Lindsey said of the church's proposal if a restaurant with a bar wanted to open.

County Commissioner John Hall wanted to know whether any change in April would be retroactive.

County Attorney Michael Craig said it would be.

John Chambliss can be reached at john.chambliss@theledger.com or 863-802-7588.