New bar developments in Tuscaloosa could be paused with proposed moratorium

According to a report from Tuscaloosa News, a moratorium has been proposed that would suspend new applications for bars, taverns and gastropubs in the City of Tuscaloosa through the end of the year. Read on for details.

Suspending Tuscaloosa bars?

It’s hard to picture Tuscaloosa without the bustling bar scene coming to mind. With several hotspots on The Strip just footsteps from Bryant Denny Stadium, there’s no shortage of places to grab a drink and celebrate.

At a city planning and safety committee meeting on Tuesday, June 13, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, Tuscaloosa Police Department Chief Brent Blankley and City Attorney Scott Holmes presented the item discussing the negative impacts that additional bars/taverns and gastropubs would place on public safety.

Holmes presented the drafted resolution that would pause applications for those types of businesses in Tuscaloosa.

The proposal comes with concerns of staffing shortages throughout the force, who are already struggling to fill vacancies and cover busy bar areas in late hours of the night. With the suspension of new bars going up around town, Tuscaloosa police can focus their efforts on spots that are currently open and operating.

Next steps

According to Tuscaloosa News, the proposal will go before the full Tuscaloosa City Council on June 27, where it will go into immediate effect if adopted.

Existing bars will not be affected by this moratorium. If it goes into effect, it will continue through the end of the year unless ended early or extended past that point by the city council.

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