NEW ORLEANS - During today's regularly scheduled meeting, the City Council passed Ordinance No. 32,693, updating the City's existing Alcoholic Beverage Outlets (ABOs) permitting and enforcement laws. The revisions represent months of hard work and collaboration amongst the Council, local businesses, bars and members of the community. The approved ordinance amends the ABO laws to ensure they align with existing state laws for legal operation. 

The measure removes antiquated and discriminatory language, among other items, and accomplishes the following: 

• Creates an appeals process for applicants denied a new or renewal ABO permit;
• Allows for a temporary suspension of an ABO permit, which will require a public rules promulgation process, a hearing and another vote of the Council to take effect; and
• Allows bars to have sidewalk seating on the public right of way.

"I would like to thank all of the stakeholders and fellow Councilmembers who worked on these provisions over the past 11 months," said District "C" Councilmember Kristin Palmer. "With their input, I believe we crafted a reasonable, common-sense piece of legislation that clearly outlines how businesses that sell a controlled substance can operate responsibly."

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Media Contact:

Tiffaney Bradley

Communications Director

Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, District "C"

Tiffaney.bradley@nola.gov

(504) 658-1034