Fairhope, Alabama
Update 2: During its next meeting (January 8, 2018) the city council failed to enact the proposed district.
Update: During the council meeting Monday, the ordinance was introduced but layed-over until the next meeting for final passage. Only special events were included, not year round.
FOR OPEN CARRY OF ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
As a result of numerous citations issued to downtown businesses by Alabama Beverage Control agents for allowing customers to purchase and then carry open beverages outside during the city's Christmas parade, the city council will again consider creating an Entertainment District legalizing the practice during Monday's council meeting.
In its current form, the new ordinance would allow open carry every day of the year; but one councilmember (Burrell) told the Times that may be reduced to during special events only, such as parades, art walks, etc.
Changes could be made to the map's boundaries too, Burrell said.
It is our understanding some downtown businesses intend to bring a petition of support to the meeting.
A similar proposal was considered by the last city council in September of 2016 but never enacted due to concerns from adjoining neighborhood residents about turning the downtown into a "watering hole" -- (click here).
(Ironically, four city council members served beer to raise funds for charity recently.)
Update 2: During its next meeting (January 8, 2018) the city council failed to enact the proposed district.
Update: During the council meeting Monday, the ordinance was introduced but layed-over until the next meeting for final passage. Only special events were included, not year round.
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| Proposed new Entertainment District map |
FOR OPEN CARRY OF ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
As a result of numerous citations issued to downtown businesses by Alabama Beverage Control agents for allowing customers to purchase and then carry open beverages outside during the city's Christmas parade, the city council will again consider creating an Entertainment District legalizing the practice during Monday's council meeting.
In its current form, the new ordinance would allow open carry every day of the year; but one councilmember (Burrell) told the Times that may be reduced to during special events only, such as parades, art walks, etc.
Changes could be made to the map's boundaries too, Burrell said.
It is our understanding some downtown businesses intend to bring a petition of support to the meeting.
A similar proposal was considered by the last city council in September of 2016 but never enacted due to concerns from adjoining neighborhood residents about turning the downtown into a "watering hole" -- (click here).
(Ironically, four city council members served beer to raise funds for charity recently.)
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| Proposed ordinance |
Comments
I agree that we should never allow a 'drinking district' down to the pier, but on Art Walk nights everyone loses because no one can purchase a drink (although they do bring from home). One more example of our City Council trying to stagnate our city until Mayor Wilson dies.
Good riddens
#thefairhopeway
Public drunkenness, fighting and driving under the influence (golf cart is still a registered vehicle) are all already illegal. All of these things are still just as likely without allowing someone to drink a beer while at a downtown event. In fact someone that's going to be drinking at a downtown event is either going to have a cup from a local establishment or they'll have it in their personal concealed cup.
Drunks and sober people do not mix well...