Grand Forks city leaders approved a liquor license for Olive Garden on Monday, clearing the main obstacle for the restaurant chain to open in town.
The license was unusual because it also required a change in city law, which the council also agreed to do.
Previously, city law required license applicants to seek the consent of existing license holders that are within 300 feet. City officials said it was meant to prevent a dangerous concentration of bars not block competition.
The proposed Olive Garden site on 32nd Avenue South is near Grizzly's, another casual dining restaurant, and an Olive Garden representative said Grizzly's wouldn't give its consent.
The council changed the law exempting restaurants, eliminating the need for that consent.
