Birmingham City Council Passes New Regulations for Nightclubs and Bars

By Scott Minshall | CBS42

New regulations are coming for Birmingham nightclubs, bars and entertainment venues.

The Birmingham City Council passed an amendment Tuesday to the “Kelvyn Felder Ordinance,” which regulates bar safety. City Councilor Hunter Williams explained what the updates look like.

“It includes everything from ingress and egress of typically what one would think that a city requires,” Williams said. “But it also goes more specific and goes into different things about, will they be using metal detectors, how many security guards and/or off-duty police will be inside based on the amount of capacity that bar, restaurant or lounge has? It also redefines what we consider a late nightclub starting at midnight rather than 2 a.m.”

Some other changes require bars to have cameras inside and outside and making sure they store footage for at least 30 days.

Rickey Slaton is the manager of Mayawell Bar. Slaton said he is already compliant with the new regulations, but he’s glad to see that it will be implemented across the city.

“If I go out somewhere, the number one thing I don’t want to have to do is worry about something bad happening,” Slanton said. “If you’re going out, you’re going out to celebrate. Or you’re going out to have a good time. You’re going out to rejoice with others. You’re not looking for something negative to happen.”

Williams said the changes have been made in accordance with the city’s legal department and is hopeful they will benefit businesses.

“I don’t think that bar patrons will really see a difference,” Williams said. “I hope that the bars are operating in a way where that there could this would not have any difference in how a patron would experience a bar. However, from a ownership standpoint, it makes it more comprehensive.”

The ordinance will go into effect when Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin signs it.