Montgomery moves ahead with entertainment district changes | News

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)- There's more freedom in the Montgomery downtown entertainment district when it comes to those who enjoy alcoholic beverages.

Cantina Restaurant is located in the Alley Station. The outdoor dining area is where many enjoy alcoholic beverages. 

Before the ordinance, you would have to stay within a certain area, now as long as your container isn't made of glass and is either is a can or plastic container, you can walk with your drink in this new expanded entertainment district.

Until now, the district only included a two-block area around the Alley and to the Riverfront or Biscuits Baseball Stadium.

Starting north at the Alabama River, the new boundaries will include all of the Riverfront to Railroad Street, Court Street to Randolph Street, Perry Street to Madison Avenue, McDonough Street to Washington Avenue, Perry Street to Adams Avenue, Lee Street to Church Street, Catoma Street to Bibb Street, and Clay Street to Holt Street and back to the Riverfront.

"That includes all the way down to the Riverfront, up to here which will eventually be Quest Plex, up Dexter Avenue and up Maxwell Boulevard," Montgomery Director of Development Chad Emerson said.

The district expanded a half mile in all different directions, stripping some barriers from the growing downtown area.

"Where still working on the details to distinguish where it ends and where it begins and we will have some type of marking whether it be a sign or pavement parking," Emerson said.

Cantina restaurant has already switched to serving mixed drinks in these plastic cups.

But they along with other businesses in the district will lose these A-frame signs that sit in front of businesses. They're really illegal, but hasn't been enforced.

"I think obviously we love our signs and we find them very useful," Cantina Restaurant General Manager Ryan Dougherty said.

Now new signs with the city's "Capital Cool" logo will take their place.

"People will use these new signs and hopefully create attractive branding downtown," Emerson said.

With this new ordinance, businesses can purchase pedestrian "way finding" signs that will point customers to their business.

"We're kind of back here in the corner so that pedestrian signage is going to be crucial for us," Dougherty said.

The ordinance only allows open containers of alcohol that are purchased in the district. You can't bring alcohol in from outside.

A can or plastic cup is acceptable. Remember, the fine for glass containers is as high as $500

City officials say it will take about 60 days to put up the new signage.

Copyright 2012  WSFA 12 News.  All rights reserved.