HPP– Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed has rejected a recently approved law regarding establishments that sell alcohol.
The regulation aimed to mandate that licensed establishments selling alcoholic drinks shut down at an earlier hour. According to the regulation, these establishments would need to shut down by 1 a.m. on weekdays and by 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
The measure was approved with a 7-1 vote last week.
“The mayor’s veto reflects his commitment to supporting businesses that operate during morning hours, including those serving breakfast. He believes it is important to fully understand how this ordinance would affect these establishments and the broader community. By vetoing the ordinance, the mayor aims to give the City Council an opportunity to hear additional input from residents and business owners, ensuring that any future decisions reflect a thoughtful balance of economic vitality and community priorities,” Reed’s office said in a statement.
Business owners are raising concerns about the ordinance, fearing it may adversely affect their operations, especially regarding the hours for food establishments that serve alcohol. One individual expressing concern was the only council member who voted against it, Councilman Andrew Szymanski, owner of Hilltop Public House.
Councilman Oronde Mitchell, the sponsor of the ordinance, stated that its aim is to enhance public safety and address issues with problematic businesses from the past.
Mitchell expressed that he received encouraging responses from the community prior to the ordinance’s approval, but felt disheartened by the negative reactions that followed.
He mentioned that the primary issues raised about the ordinance were related to the operating hours of these businesses. He believes these concerns might be addressed with a change.
Following the veto, Mitchell expressed disappointment, stating, “We were focused on public safety when we aimed to understand the timing of these entablements.” The police department had a chance to be near the establishments we were experiencing problems with.
Mitchell announced that the City Council is set to vote on Tuesday regarding the potential override of the mayor’s veto. He mentioned that if the council maintains the veto, he plans to make another attempt by presenting a revised version of the ordinance to the council.