TUPELO, Miss. (AP) — The Tupelo City Council has approved nightclub and alcohol ordinances that eliminate brown-bagging and require tighter security.
The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reports (http://bit.ly/YxDTzF) that the changes approved Tuesday will take effect in 30 days.
Under the new ordinance, nightclubs are broadly defined as any establishment that serves alcohol and/or beer and provides entertainment, such as music, games, performances and dancing. They will have to go through a permitting process and obtain a state or city license to sell alcohol.
The ordinance has specific security requirements for large crowds. Officials said establishments that maintain control will have latitude to tailor their own security plans.
The changes are in response to repeated disturbances and assaults at nightclubs, including a fatal January 2011 shooting.
Changes in the alcohol ordinance eliminated the option for "BYOB" clubs where customers could bring in their own alcohol beverages. However, it allows restaurant owners who do not hold state liquor or city beer licenses to permit customers to bring their own to consume with a sit down meal.
Another change allows for revocation of city beer and light wine license for violations of city ordinance and clarifies the serving alcohol at events where private property is leased.
Events in a leased space with more than 40 people will now require a $75 event permit.
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Information from: Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, http://djournal.com
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