Soon, Foley could have a new entertainment district. The proposed district aims to boost downtown business and activity without causing disruptive behavior.

Foley City Council approved a first reading of an ordinance to establish the district in the downtown area west of Alabama 59. The ordinance is scheduled for a final vote in August.

Darrelyn Dunmore, executive director of Foley Main Street, said a survey of downtown merchants showed overwhelming support for the measure.

“On the petition we had 150 yes and two no and one neutral. This was specifically in downtown Foley. These were all the business owners, people that were going in and supporting it,” Dunmore told council members.

She said entertainment districts have helped revitalize downtown areas in many Alabama cities and surrounding states. While there were initial concerns, these districts have been successful.

“Gadsden started in 2017,” Dunmore said. “They did a trial period because a couple of council members were afraid it would turn into New Orleans. It didn't happen. Everything continues to go well. They actually expanded their district in 2019.”

She noted that OWA has had an entertainment district since 2017. In those seven years, Foley police have responded to only 13 alcohol-related calls.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the district should help Foley continue to revitalize its downtown area.

“When Main Street started, that was something that we talked about, supporting downtown,” Hellmich said. “It's a vibrant downtown that we're looking to expand, particularly our nighttime. In the daytime, we're really really busy, but at night, it's pretty quiet.”

He said Main Street and downtown revitalization supporters are bringing new restaurants and businesses to Foley.

“I believe this is the kind of grassroots effort that we asked them to do and we appreciate all the work,” Hellmich said.

Councilman Charles Ebert III said the district would allow downtown visitors more flexibility to move around the area but would not encourage public drinking.

“It's not an area where you can simply walk with an open can of beer or a wine bottle in your hand,” Ebert said. “Your beverage has to come from one of our vendors in the downtown area that sells alcohol and it has to be in that approved cup.”

In the district, patrons would be allowed to leave a bar or restaurant with an alcoholic beverage between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. The drink must be in a 16-ounce plastic cup marked with the business name and the Main Street entertainment district emblem.

The ordinance would prohibit “brown-bagging,” or pouring more alcohol from an outside source into the cup. Patrons could not bring a cup from one bar or restaurant into another business in the district.

Drinking would not be allowed in some outside areas, such as parking lots. All restrictions against underage drinking and public intoxication would continue to be enforced.

Dunmore said training programs are planned for bars and restaurants so that owners and employees know the rules of the entertainment district. Supporters will also create informational cards, signs and social media campaigns to educate the public and workers about the program.