Fairhope, Alabama
'LAME DUCK' COUNCIL SESSIONS UNDERWAY
In the wake of last month's historic election, and before the next government takes over on November 7th, the city council is considering establishing an Entertainment District covering most of the downtown central business district -- where open containers of alcoholic beverages (in shatterproof cups, no glass or bottles) could be purchased from licensed vendors and carried onto city streets anywhere in the district.
Currently, state law prohibits taking alcoholic beverages out on the street, even during events like the monthly Art Walk: state ABC Board officers issued some citations recently.
Areas in the CBD like the community park, splash pad, and Faulkner State College campus where children/minors may be present would be excluded; but a corridor extending down Fairhope Avenue to the 'Shux' restaurant on the pier should be considered as well, according to councilman Burrell.
The ED would be based on other ones in Alabama (Vestavia Hills, Opelika's) to "promote commercial development and pedestrian activity" in the downtown.
The City of Mobile has one in its downtown too.
Fairhope's Downtown Business Association would serve as the "downtown development entity" required by state law before enacting such districts: Up to two ED's could be established in any single municipality.
Police Chief Petties said he had "mixed emotions" about establishing the new district itself; but paper cups (vs glass/bottles outside) were "a good idea."
DRINKING HOURS TO BE EXTENDED TOO?
After hearing from two local bar owners, the council discussed extending sales of alcohol until 2AM, seven days a week in the new district: currently that is only allowed on weekends and the cutoff is 12AM the remaining days.
Police Chief Petties opposes this change because "nothing good ever happens late": he cited an unfortunate incident involving a meat clever several years ago as evidence.
CURRENT ORDINANCE:
GETS BUSINESS OWNERS' SUPPORT
Several restaurant and bar owners were present to advocate for the changes (about seven will be directly affected) -- to accommodate their younger customers who may want to stay out later: they cited new security measures (id checks, guards, surveillance, etc) put in place to allay the police chief's concerns.
They want it to be effective year round, not just for special events like Art Walk, to accommodate visitors and tourists.
A map and draft ordinance for the new ED will have to be approved by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board before the council can vote to enact it; how long that may take was not mentioned.
(Mayor Kant and councilman Ford missed this meeting)
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| In central business district. (north is up) |
'LAME DUCK' COUNCIL SESSIONS UNDERWAY
In the wake of last month's historic election, and before the next government takes over on November 7th, the city council is considering establishing an Entertainment District covering most of the downtown central business district -- where open containers of alcoholic beverages (in shatterproof cups, no glass or bottles) could be purchased from licensed vendors and carried onto city streets anywhere in the district.
Currently, state law prohibits taking alcoholic beverages out on the street, even during events like the monthly Art Walk: state ABC Board officers issued some citations recently.
 |
| Councilman Boone, left |
Areas in the CBD like the community park, splash pad, and Faulkner State College campus where children/minors may be present would be excluded; but a corridor extending down Fairhope Avenue to the 'Shux' restaurant on the pier should be considered as well, according to councilman Burrell.
The ED would be based on other ones in Alabama (Vestavia Hills, Opelika's) to "promote commercial development and pedestrian activity" in the downtown.
The City of Mobile has one in its downtown too.
Fairhope's Downtown Business Association would serve as the "downtown development entity" required by state law before enacting such districts: Up to two ED's could be established in any single municipality.
Police Chief Petties said he had "mixed emotions" about establishing the new district itself; but paper cups (vs glass/bottles outside) were "a good idea."
DRINKING HOURS TO BE EXTENDED TOO?
 |
| Councilman Burrell, left |
After hearing from two local bar owners, the council discussed extending sales of alcohol until 2AM, seven days a week in the new district: currently that is only allowed on weekends and the cutoff is 12AM the remaining days.
Police Chief Petties opposes this change because "nothing good ever happens late": he cited an unfortunate incident involving a meat clever several years ago as evidence.
CURRENT ORDINANCE:
Sec. 4-2. - Hours of sale regulated; penalty.
(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person holding a license issued by the state alcoholic beverage control board or a license issued by the city for the purpose of selling alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises and curtilage thereof, excluding private clubs, to exchange, barter, give or sell any alcoholic beverages to the general public during the following hours and days: Sunday through Wednesday from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to 7:00 a.m.; and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
GETS BUSINESS OWNERS' SUPPORT
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| central business district map |
They want it to be effective year round, not just for special events like Art Walk, to accommodate visitors and tourists.
A map and draft ordinance for the new ED will have to be approved by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board before the council can vote to enact it; how long that may take was not mentioned.
(Mayor Kant and councilman Ford missed this meeting)
Comments
Consumption laws and hours be changed in Fairhope.
Why don't we just say this...do whatever you want and if you can't behave then you will go to jail!!! It really doesn't matter if it's after 7, 10, 12 or 2am. You can't fix stupid or make laws to protect or laws to make stupid people behave. Just love Fairhope
Holidays, First Fridays and Alabama Game Days only....
I am all in for events so that our local vendors make money but I am very against this as a 24/7 law!
What a disaster for Fairhope if we become the last place where loiters can hang out and drink on city streets!
And this is not an initiative of the new Mayor and Council……it appears that our former Mayor may have made some promises here just as he did when he said that the golf cart could operate on the pier. Thank God that we have a new mayor who does not yet think that she is God!