Key Takeaways
- The City of Orange Beach has approved one-year extensions for its two entertainment districts, SanRoc Cay Marina and The Wharf.
- The entertainment districts allow patrons to leave establishments with open plastic containers of alcoholic beverages and consume them within the district.
- Alabama’s state alcohol laws are being reviewed after a mass shooting in downtown Montgomery, with potential rule changes aimed at improving safety statewide.
- The proposed rule changes include banning package stores from selling items that enable drinking outside and limiting the amount of alcohol that can be sold for off-premises consumption.
Introduction to Entertainment Districts
The City of Orange Beach has unanimously approved one-year extensions for its two entertainment districts, SanRoc Cay Marina and The Wharf. These districts have held their designations since July 2012 and have been issued one-year extensions since then. The approval of these extensions maintains the current regulations surrounding alcohol consumption within these districts. According to the City of Orange Beach’s Code of Ordinances, patrons at establishments within an entertainment district are allowed to leave with open plastic containers of alcoholic beverages and consume them anywhere within the district. However, bottles and glass containers are not permitted to be removed from the licensed premises, and entering a district with open or closed containers of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
Current Regulations and Laws
The regulations surrounding alcohol consumption in Orange Beach’s entertainment districts are outlined in the City’s Code of Ordinances, article VIII, section 50-554. These regulations allow patrons to enjoy alcoholic beverages within the designated districts, while also maintaining a level of safety and responsibility. The Code of Alabama, Section 28-3A-17.1, also outlines a similar set of laws, highlighting the importance of regulating alcohol consumption in entertainment districts. The laws and regulations in place are designed to promote a safe and enjoyable environment for patrons, while also respecting the rights of businesses and individuals within the districts.
Review of State Alcohol Laws
In recent months, Alabama’s state alcohol laws have been under review, following a mass shooting in downtown Montgomery on October 4. The shooting resulted in two deaths and 12 injuries, prompting Governor Kay Ivey to call for a review of the state’s alcohol laws. The Alabama ABC Administrator, Curtis Stewart, has proposed potential rule changes aimed at improving safety statewide. These changes include banning package stores located inside entertainment districts from selling items that enable drinking outside, such as cups or ice. Additionally, Stewart has suggested limiting the amount of alcohol that businesses with special retail licenses can sell for off-premises consumption. The proposed changes are intended to reduce the risk of accidents and incidents related to excessive alcohol consumption.
Impact of Proposed Rule Changes
The proposed rule changes have the potential to impact the entertainment districts in Orange Beach, as well as other districts across the state. By banning the sale of items that enable drinking outside, the changes could reduce the amount of alcohol consumed within the districts. Additionally, limiting the amount of alcohol that can be sold for off-premises consumption could help to reduce the risk of accidents and incidents related to excessive alcohol consumption. However, the changes could also have an impact on businesses within the districts, potentially affecting their sales and revenue. It is essential to consider the potential impact of these changes and to ensure that they are fair and reasonable, while also promoting safety and responsibility.
Conclusion and Future Directions
In conclusion, the City of Orange Beach has approved one-year extensions for its two entertainment districts, maintaining the current regulations surrounding alcohol consumption. The review of Alabama’s state alcohol laws and the proposed rule changes have the potential to impact the entertainment districts and businesses within them. It is crucial to consider the potential impact of these changes and to ensure that they are fair and reasonable, while also promoting safety and responsibility. As the state continues to review and refine its alcohol laws, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of patrons, while also respecting the rights of businesses and individuals within the entertainment districts. By doing so, Alabama can create a safe and enjoyable environment for all, while also promoting economic growth and development.
