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Council delays decision on Mardi Gras liquor license; asks organizers for certifications and insurance
Summary
The council heard a public hearing for Los Torres Bravos' request for a special-events liquor license for Jan. 17, 2026, but carried the item to the Jan. 5 meeting, asking organizers to provide Alabama server certifications, liability insurance proof and a local contact. Organizers said a third-party 501(c)(3) would provide servers.
The council held a public hearing on a special-events retail liquor license application from Los Torres Bravos for an event scheduled at the Spanish Fort Community Center on Jan. 17, 2026. Presenters included Andy Ben (one of the organization's members) and Jordan Scarborough. They said serving would be handled by a separate 501(c)(3) organization (Mystic Order of Revelers) that has experience running charitable events and would obtain Alabama certification and use trained servers.
Council members asked whether the out-of-state servers from Florida were licensed in Alabama and whether the city should require proof of certification and liability insurance naming the city as an additional insured. Council members also expressed concern about the holiday-time timeline and whether organizers could secure training and insurance ahead of the Jan. 17 event. The council asked organizers to provide contact information, certification documentation and proof of insurance and agreed to revisit the item at the Jan. 5 meeting rather than act immediately.
What was decided: The council carried the liquor-license item to a future meeting to allow staff to verify certifications and insurance and to give organizers time to obtain required documentation.
Next steps: Organizers will provide contact and certification/insurance documents to city staff; staff will follow up and present details to council at the Jan. 5 meeting for final action.
