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Anniston council discusses citywide six‑month bar moratorium to allow zoning review
Summary
Councilors signaled support for placing a temporary, citywide six‑month moratorium on new bar licenses to give staff time to review zoning and licensing definitions; several members said they want more data before a final vote, and staff will provide maps and recommendations.
At a Jan. 8 Anniston City Council work session, council members discussed placing a temporary, citywide six‑month moratorium on new bar operations to give the city time to review zoning and licensing rules.
"What has been presented or will be presented to the council is a temporary bar moratorium for 6 months," Speaker 1 said, describing the pause as a way to "address some zoning concerns and really figure out exactly how we want to move the city forward." The speaker noted the city previously used a downtown moratorium in 2014 and referenced an ordinance from the City of Oxford as a long‑term example.
Proponents said the moratorium would prevent a last‑minute rush of applications while the council considers clearer definitions and land‑use limits. Speaker 7 urged prompt adoption, saying the pause would "give us time to get those in place" and could be lifted earlier if the council chose.
Opponents and cautious members said they were not opposed in principle but wanted more information before voting tonight. "I'm not against the moratorium. I'm against voting on a moratorium tonight," Speaker 5 said. Speaker 2 raised concerns about municipal revenue, asking whether the city would lose tax receipts if alcohol sales shift to grocery stores or other outlets.
Officials discussed the local test for a bar designation: Speaker 1 and others explained a business is treated as a bar if on‑premises alcohol sales exceed 50% of gross revenue. Staff also said a city map showing the location and type of alcohol‑serving businesses — broken down by ward — had been prepared and would be shared to give the council a "bird's‑eye view" before final action.
Council reached a procedural step to move the item forward: Speaker 1 stated the council had a majority to add the moratorium to the council agenda for consideration, while several members reiterated that a final vote should follow staff analysis and additional data.
Next steps: staff will provide the prepared map and additional information on licensing and zoning options; councilors indicated they will consider the moratorium on the upcoming council agenda rather than voting on a final ordinance at the work session.
