MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) There are more delays in establishing Mobile's entertainment districts. Tuesday, the city council assigned the proposed maps and ordinance to the public safety committee for review.
"The police chief and his commanders have real concerns about enforcement. It gives them additional responsibilities to enforce certain things that right now, we're not equip to enforce," said Mayor Sam Jones.
If the ordinance passes as it's written now, people won't be able to leave a bar with a glass bottle or can. Instead, they'll have to have a plastic cup in hand that bears the "LODA" logo, or one that bears the commercially printed name and logo of the designated licensee.
"The chief has real concerns of having police officers police cups, different kinds of cups, where they come from and where they didn't come from," said Jones.
"I think it's too technical. It puts an added expense on the businesses themselves. If they're going to make us have a branded cup, everyone should have to have the same cup. That way we can all buy in bulk and get a cheaper price," said LoDa Biergarten co-owner Matthew Golden.
Golden had hoped the districts would be established before Fat Tuesday.
"This was going to increase our revenue a lot for Mardi Gras. So, it is a little frustrating," said Golden.
Now it's doubtful the council will vote in time because of numerous worries about how to police the districts.
"If it calls for additional enforcement then it will cost more money. The other thing is, is it OK for vagrants and homeless people to sit and drink in the street?" said Mayor Jones.
Another concern includes people walking back and forth to their vehicles to get alcohol and controlling underage drinking. That's why the proposal includes a $250 fine for drinking underage. The big question now is, will the ordinance be more of a hassle or a money maker?
"That is the real question and I'm not sure about that," said Mayor Jones.
"When tourists come, this is another thing that will get them out, get them walking and seeing different venues and spending money in different spots," said Councilman Williams Carroll.
CLICK HERE to read more details about the entertainment district.
