Councilman pushes for entertainment district downtown

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Many bar owners are rallying around Mobile City Councilman William Carroll. He’s trying to create an entertainment district in Downtown Mobile which would allow you to take your drink with you out the door.

Downtown Mobile is growing. Matthew Golden is opening up his new restaurant/bar the Loda Bier Garten next week. Golden is just one of the many entrepreneurs investing in the area.

Carroll is the city councilman over the downtown area, and he said he is pushing to keep moving forward.

"The more we can do to encourage people to walk downtown and to enjoy our streets and enjoy our environment, the more people will be able to access the businesses that are already there. And it also encourages new businesses to come,” said Carroll.

Earlier this year, legislation was passed allowing Alabama cities to form entertainment districts if they had a large enough population.

When you are in one, you can leave a bar with your drink.

"Gives it a new feel, and it also encourages people to go from one business to another," said Carroll.

Under the rules, you would not be able to take a drink into a business. Golden said many downtown are on board.

“I think everyone down here, especially restaurant bar owners (are onboard.) It’s something that’s long over do. We’re ready for it,” said Golden.

The plan is to get it in place before Mardi Gras which means you could go in a bar grab a drink and then take it with you to catch the parades.

"That is the number one revenue time for us down here, and it’s something that we hope gets passed without any holdups," said Golden.

Robby Speese lives downtown. He said there needs to be something to bring more people into his neighborhood. He said making the area an entertainment district is a positive step.

"It’s a change in time. We are either going to catch up or we are going to fall behind,” said Speese.

Bartender Cassie Franklin said “The Bar” is on board.

"If people are doing it responsibly and not getting into a car and just walking to another bar and putting it in a plastic cup I think it’s ok,” said Franklin.

Carroll said there is always a chance for unintended consequences like how police will be able to enforce the law. As of right now, he doesn't see it being an issue

"Hopefully, it will lighten up because people will be able to walk outside with a beverage now. Our police already do a great job,” said Carroll.

Golden agrees.

“It would limit the amount of people bringing their own alcohol, and it would be a more controlled thing,” said Golden.

Where the district lines will be drawn are still up for discussion. With input from the downtown community, Carroll hopes to have this passed before Mardi Gras.

A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. to iron out the details. It will be at the Downtown Mobile Alliance.