The town of Gulf Shores is looking at continuing its ban of alcohol on its beaches during spring break season for next year.
Some worry that the ban will affect local businesses and restaurants that are dependent on alcohol sales. Mayor Robert Craft explains that the decision to vote on the ban will also affect the city by decreasing the tax revenue during that time period. However, he says the city's decision is backed by confidence from broad community support to remain a family-friendly vacation area.
“Unfortunately, there are going to be people that will be negatively affected by the decisions we make, and that’s not an easy place to be because we care deeply about all of our people, and we don’t want to hurt anybody. But the responsibility we have is to listen to the majority and make good decisions for the long term of what’s best for our community.”
Craft says the ban last year was an emergency measure after two weeks of what he calls "excessive drinking" and "destructive behavior" on the city's beaches. He says the ban was a necessary measure to preserve safety in the area.
If passed, the date of the ban has not been determined. City officials anticipate the ban would take effect in late February and extend into late April.