With an open container law in place, these patrons wouldn't have been confined to the patio on St. Patrick's Day. Source: WBRC videoBIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -
The Birmingham City Council is considering whether patrons of Lakeview and Five Points South can carry a drink from bar to bar.
An open container law is something that business owners and others have been lobbying for ever since the Alabama legislature passed a law that allows cities to create entertainment zones.
Councilmember Johnathan Austin says the city is discussing the best way to structure a possible open container law and he expects an ordinance to be passed by this summer.
Bar and restaurants owners in the two districts feel an open container law would make their areas even more desirable to visit. Rare Martini Public Relations Director Marina von Bismarck says it's what customers want.
"They wouldn't have to commit to one bar, they can kind of go to different bars, explore, see their friends, walk around so that's one of the biggest pluses everyone is wanting," she said.
Austin says its up to the council to decide the boundaries for an open container area as well as how it would be policed. Lakeview is first on the list for consideration.
Copyright 2013 WBRC. All rights reserved.
