Poplar Bluff City Council members have approved a special entertainment district in downtown that includes an open cup rule.
The district goes into effect immediately, said city manager Matt Winters. The Downtown Poplar Bluff, Inc., board will provide the specifically designated cups allowed under the ordinance, said Winters, who did not know when the cups would be available.
The measure passed 6-1 Monday, with Mayor pro tem Steve Davis voting no.
The district will be limited to certain sections of Vine and Moran streets, and allows only specifically designated open containers to be used during business hours.
Davis had previously questioned if there should be additional rules or stipulations to the district, and said Monday he still had concerns.
“After much thought and prayer on the subject, I decided to vote no on the proposed ordinance. There are just too many variables to consider ... the skate park nearby, the Rescue Mission, and elderly housing apartments on Vine Street,” Davis said after the meeting. “I think those are three potentially vulnerable populations as far as the alcohol open cup.
“The purpose behind the ordinance is to bring more commercial activity to downtown. I understand that. But in my opinion the negatives out-way the positives. I’ve supported probably 95% of all downtown initiatives, but I can’t this one.”
Council member at-large Chris Taylor had also previously questioned the matter, suggesting the district might need to include armbands for those of legal age.
Taylor voted yes Monday for the district, without additional stipulations.
She said she had done additional research into entertainment districts in other cities.
“I believe it will bring in other businesses and help our economy,” she said after the meeting. “It’s about what’s best for the community and how it will progress.”
Members of DPB spoke earlier in March to support the measure, as did downtown business owners, who said the city’s lengthy process to get permission for outside events with alcohol was a challenge.
The district includes Vine Street, between Sixth and Main streets, and Moran Street, between Vine and Cherry streets, according to city council documents.
Guests will be able to take a drink purchased at a business within the district, outside of that business. The beverage must be in a designated cup, according to the measure passed by council. An individual can have only one open cup of alcoholic beverage at a time.
The beverage must be purchased on the premises of a business located in the district, and must be kept within the boundaries of the district.