Montgomery mayor vetoes alcohol sales ordinance
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed has vetoed an alcohol sales ordinance that would require businesses with a liquor license to open and close at a certain time.
Under the ordinance, restaurants and other establishments would be required to close by 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and by 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
The ordinance also says those businesses would not be allowed to open until at least 9 a.m. That would include places like Cracker Barrel, Vintage Cafe or a coffee shop that also has a liquor license.
The Montgomery City Council voted 7-1 in favor of the ordinance with District 7 councilor Andrew Szymanski voting against it.
The Mayor’s Office released this statement to Action 8 News:
“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.”
