MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) While Downtown Mobile patrons enjoyed the St. Patrick's Day Weekend festivities Saturday, many will also experience the first weekend of the new entertainment district ordinance.
The ordinance allows bar patrons to carry alcoholic beverages outside within the two entertainment district boundaries.
Authorities said while the city-issued "LoDa" cups won't be rolled out until April 1st, patrons can carry drinks in paper or plastic cups no larger than 16 ounces.
The Brickyard Bar Manager, Alex Daniels, expects great things from St. Patrick's Day festivities.
"It's Saint Patty's Day, people are going to be going out, and I think they're going to want to be outside taking that drink and bar hopping," Daniels said. "One less thing for bar staff to worry about with people walking out with drinks. That's great.
"(It) takes a little bit of the pressure off. No body wants to get a ticket for something foolish like someone walking out with a drink."
The Crescent Theater is also getting prepared for the "go-cup" era in Downtown Mobile. Theater Manager Max Morey said plastic, polka-dot cups are issued to movie-goers who don't finish their drinks inside.
"It's very civil to have grownups going from property to property with a half-a-glass of beer or a small wine," Morey said. This theater is about maturity and responsibility, and I think the new law just exemplifies that. It's going to be fun a lot of fun."
Drinking outdoors is allowed everyday from 4p.m. to 2:30a.m. A map of the districts and boundaries can be found on the "Find It" section of the Local 15 homepage.
