Police chief says proposed plan raises public safety questions

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The proposed plan to create an entertainment district in downtown Mobile is headed to a committee for discussion.

The proposal would allow people to leave bars with their drinks within the district's boundaries.   

The police chief and mayor reacted to its potential impact on the city.  

Questions remain about the proposed district for some. What will the time frame be? How will police enforce it? And what type of cup will be allowed?  

There's no question what's most important to Mobile Police Chief Micheal T. Williams.

"Public safety's number one for me. The safety of the participants and the business owners and those people who live downtown is number one for me," said Williams.

Williams said he has received Councilman William Carroll's revised proposal, but still has questions about the plan.

"It poses a public safety issue for us," said Chief Williams.

Chief Williams said the way it is written now requires an increase in public safety.

"Probably another 20 officers, which I do not have at this point," said Chief Williams.

He also said the city probably doesn’t have money to pay for the overtime.