News

February 1, 2019

Kristin Gisleson Palmer, Cyndi Nguyen, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board

Councilmembers Kristin Palmer and Cyndi Nguyen Issue Joint Statement on Upcoming ABO Ordinance

Councilmembers Kristin Palmer and Cyndi Nguyen Issue Joint Statement on Upcoming ABO Ordinance

NEW ORLEANS - The Governmental Affairs (GA) committee discussed possible updates to the City's Alcohol Beverage Outlets (ABOs) ordinance on Thursday, January 31st.  The conversation focused on proposed policy changes within the ordinance, including reducing barriers for employment at ABOs, streamlining the permitting system, and equipping the ABO board with additional tools to help ABOs come into compliance with the law without revoking their permit. Councilmembers Kristin Gisleson Palmer and Cyndi Nguyen have issued the following joint statement:

"Over the course of the past two months, our offices have begun the process of revising the ordinance governing ABOs.  We recognize that a vast majority of these businesses operating with an ABO permit are wonderful contributors to our unique culture, and any updates to this ordinance should have no negative impacts on them.  However, the review process has made clear that there are provisions in the ordinance that are outdated, outmoded, or in some cases, downright discriminatory. These do not reflect the spirit of the city, and we believe it is imperative that we take the time to fix them.

It is also important to note that there are a small fraction of ABOs who have an adverse effect on their communities.  It doesn't matter if it is a bar, a liquor store, or a gas station-any of these establishments have the ability to be detrimental to the residents' quality of life.  We believe it is critical to set clear, enforceable standards to ensure any business granted the privilege of selling alcohol remains in compliance with the law, and acts as a good neighbor. For those that don't, we believe it is necessary to equip the Safety and Permits Office and City Attorney's Office with the tools to help them come back into compliance with the law. This includes the optional provision of installing an exterior camera that stores footage on site for 30 days and requires a subpoena for NOPD to access it.

Our offices have already started and will continue engaging the public and meeting with stakeholders from across the industry to make certain that their perspectives help inform these policies.  This will be an open and transparent process that in the end will move the city forward, while simultaneously preserving the very best of what makes New Orleans so special."

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Media Contact:

Tiffaney Bradley
Communications Director
Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, District "C"

Tiffaney.bradley@nola.gov

(504) 295-4970

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