New Orleans council disapproves proposed rules for temporary alcohol outlet permits, pledges more oversight

Council President Morrell moved and the City Council approved a resolution disapproving proposed rules from the Department of Safety and Permits that would implement temporary alcoholic beverage outlet permits under section 2-1000 of the Code of the City of New Orleans. The resolution was adopted in a recorded voice vote with the council announcing six ayes and no nays.

The move follows complaints from business owners and residents about lengthy delays in permit processing. "This is the second time safety and permits has done everything possible to not be transparent, not work with the stakeholders, and submit punitive rules and processes that make it unworkable," Morrell said, arguing the council must add oversight to ensure departments implement ordinances in a workable way.

Public comment at the meeting echoed concerns about permitting accessibility. Miss Ford told the council the permitting department has long presented barriers to community participation and local business activity, saying, "It's ridiculous, the things that we have to go through as a community to get to do actual business in the city of New Orleans, and we need to change that." The council’s action disapproves the department’s submitted regulations and signals a plan to develop additional oversight, with Morrell saying the council will work with its legal counsel, staff and Mayor Moreno to craft a more rigorous review process.

The resolution cited section 2-1000 of the Code of the City of New Orleans as the basis for disapproval. The council did not record a named seconder in the transcript; the motion was placed and the clerk announced adoption.