PH Minutes 2018-07-17
PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA
PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2018
6:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER: The Prattville City Council met in public hearing on Tuesday, July 17, 2018
at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Council President Striplin called the meeting
to order. Roll was called and all Councilors were present.
1. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to have Various Weeded Lots Abated per Title 11,
Chapter 67 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as Amended. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
No one was present to speak for or in opposition of the Resolution.
2. RESOLUTION: To Grant a Retail Beer (On or Off Premises) and a Retail Table Wine (On
or Off Premises) License to New Vision Cinemas, LLC d/b/a Promenade Cinema 12.
(Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
John Archer, 2102 U.S. Hwy. 98, Daphne, AL 36526, addressed the Council regarding this
item. Mr. Archer spoke as the attorney for New Vision Cinemas, LLC and their ABC
applications. Mr. Archer explained that the ability to sell beer and wine is necessary for the
theater to compete with Netflix, Hulu, and other theaters. Alcohol sales in theaters is a growing
trend in the state, and he and his client believe they need to offer this service in order to stay
relevant. Another reason that this application is so important to the theater is that the lease is
up in 2022, and a decision must be made as to if they are going to renew. If this application
passes, the proceeds from alcohol sales will go toward much needed renovations in the theater.
Regional Manager Tony Sellers, Local Manager Emma Adams came forward to share with the
Council what measures are taken to combat the potential for underage drinking.
Tony Sellers, 6625 Stable Gate Court, Montgomery, AL 36416, oversees theaters in Alabama,
Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and he is based out of Montgomery. Mr.
Sellers explained that the theater has certified and professional servers and that they
participate in the Responsible Vendors Program. All employees are thoroughly trained. Anyone
purchasing alcohol will be required to show ID and their ID will be scanned for authenticity. The
theater does its due diligence to insure that there is no underage drinking. The ABC Board
conducts blind checks and the theaters have always passed. Each person who purchases
alcohol will be given a glow in the dark wrist band and employees will do spot checks every 15
minutes to make sure no one is holding a drink that does not have that wrist band. There will
be a 2 or 3 drink minimum depending on the City’s preference. The size of the drinks will be 16
oz. for a beer and 7 oz. for wine. Mr. Sellers pointed out that Montgomery offers this service
and Prattville does not.
Councilor Stares explained that a lot of parents drop their children off at the theater, and many
of them had said they will not continue to do so if there is alcohol being sold.
Police Chief Mark Thompson informed the Council that it is the Prattville Police Department’s
Policy that off duty officers are not allowed to work where alcohol is being sold. If this
application is approved, the theater will need to provide their own security.
ADJOURN:
There being no further comments, Council President Striplin closed the Public Hearing at 6:19
p.m.
APPROVED:
___________________________
Cathy Dickerson
City Clerk
___________________________
Albert Striplin, President
Prattville City Council
SUBMITTED BY:
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Jamie Ferrari
Assistant City Clerk