Commission member Stephen Wooden, a recent MSU graduate, said the cap could have a negative ripple effect.

“I’m worried that [student bar patrons] could spill over into house parties, which could cause more noise and safety issues,” Wooden said.

Wooden said bars provide a safer drinking venue for students, considering there are sober staff members watching over customers.

The ordinance would cap the number of bar patrons at 3,300, less than the current capacity of 3,892, effectively preventing future bars from opening unless one or more closed.

Commission member Laura Goddeeris, daughter of Mayor Diane Goddeeris, said the proposal might send a message that East Lansing does not want new businesses.

It is not clear if the commission will vote before the Nov. 5 city council election. The planning commission will provide a recommendation to the city council, which will then make a final decision.

City staff put forth the proposal with support from police, looking to prevent alcohol-fueled crime and diversify the types of businesses downtown.

Vice-chair Julie Jones-Fisk worried that unless the ordinance passed, similar restaurants could flock to the area, preventing or deterring other businesses from coming to East Lansing.

Jones-Fisk said the city needs more retail and housing to draw people to existing restaurants, versus targeting drinking establishments.

Planning, Building and Development Director Tim Dempsey looked to reassure commissioners that the proposal would not affect existing businesses, even though they would have to comply.

East Lansing Police Chief Juli Liebler said that the ordinance could lead to a “price war” between existing businesses trying to compete in a crowded bar scene.

Lower prices would encourage citizens to drink more, leading to alcohol-fueled crimes, she said.

“The concentration in a two-block area…means there is a huge influx of people leaving an area at 2 (a.m.),” Liebler said.