Thursday, Nov. 17 was the first reading of the Trussville Entertainment District (TED) ordinance. The ordinance aims to unify TED enterprises.
The TED includes Shirley’s Florist, Ferus, Trussville Social, Mr. West, Corbeau Wine Bar, and Axe Downtown. TED’s lines can be expanded if the event grows.
Every TED business that serves alcohol needs a liquor license. TED excludes parking lots because they don’t want people leaving with open beverages.
Bradford: “We don’t allow drinking in the parking lot.” If included, it’s legal. Putting it inside the district border can make enforcement difficult.
The city can contain the pavilion and restaurants by removing the parking lot and creating a line behind the businesses. Six-foot signs will read “No alcohol beyond this point.” Trussville police will send an officer to enforce this regulation.
The TED would enable consumers to transport open containers of alcohol from one area to another, but the alcohol must be in plastic cups (no glass) with a receipt of purchase. Customers can’t enter another establishment with alcohol from another.
Lisa Bright, council president, said the paperwork helps prevent people from bringing their own liquor. Open containers must be emptied before leaving the entertainment district.
The ordinance changes TED’s hours. TED and companies will close at 11 p.m. if the council approves. Alcohol isn’t allowed after 11 p.m. unless a special event permit is issued. The next city council meeting is on Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. for the second reading and voting on the ordinance.
