By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
Atmore City Council members gave the official green light during their Monday, January 8, meeting to establishment of an “entertainment district” within the city’s downtown area.
A first reading of the proposed ordinance, which will feature a relaxation of liquor laws to some degree, was held December 11. Monday’s second reading, which came with no opposition, made the proposal a reality.
Patrons of businesses within the district — which will include portions of North Main, Ridgeley, Carney and Church streets, as well as a few other, smaller areas — will be allowed to leave the business at which an alcoholic beverage was purchased and stroll through the area with the beverage, which will be in a designated cup or container.
There are few constraints, although the size of the “to-go cup” will be regulated. More details, as well as a map of the district, will be featured as they become available.
Mayor Jim Staff was reportedly dealing with a family medical situation, so Mayor Pro Tem Shawn Lassiter presided over Monday’s meeting. Lassiter, however, abstained from voting on the resolution because his wife owns a business that will be within the district.
In other business, the council:
*Approved a request from Evangelist Cedo Coon to conduct a six-day “From Dope to Hope” revival at the Boxcar Willie park, May 6-11. The event will include 6:30 p.m. services each day.
*Approved a request from local minister Brandon Tanner to hold the 3rd annual Love in the Park event at Houston Avery Park. The celebration, which is set for 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on April 20, will feature inflatables for children, Gospel singing, hot dogs and hamburgers, and giveaways.
*Voted to spend $25,000 with Fox 10 News Marketing to have the city featured on a two-hour session of the television station’s Studio 10 program, which is designed to raise awareness among tourists and other travelers of the “hidden gems” the city has to offer. The show will feature up to 10 businesses, as well as comments from local business owners and government officials.
*Tabled a request from Escambia County 4-H to hold the regional archery contest in an unspecified city park due to the absence of anyone from the organization to specify at which park the competition would be held.