Councilman Gary Brooks has announced he plans to withdraw Ordinance 58 from the Shreveport City Council agenda.
What is Ordinance 58?
Ordinance 58 proposed a revision to the operating hours for retail businesses selling alcohol for on-premises consumption in both downtown and non-downtown zoning districts.
The legislation, authored by District B Councilman Gary Brooks, aimed to adjust the permissible hours for alcohol sales. Presently, retail businesses can sell alcohol between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. any day of the week. The proposed revision would have reduced these hours by two hours. Many local bar owners pushed back on the change.
Councilman Brooks withdraws ordinance
Councilman Brooks shared that after months of listening to citizen concerns and feedback he introduced this resolution, recognizing its potential impact on his own business interests as a bar owner.
“I introduced this legislation with the intent to address the genuine concerns raised by our community and the police department,” Councilman Brooks stated. “However, recent discussions have highlighted a need for greater transparency and consensus on this issue.”
Councilman Brooks emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity and openness in public service. “I believe in the importance of transparency and integrity in our roles as public servants. Therefore, I will not be sponsoring any further legislation regarding bar hours.”
Action to officially withdraw the measure will be taken at the June 11, 2024 Shreveport City Council Meeting.
