Alcohol regulations affecting local businesses
Local businesses, nonprofit organizations, breweries and event venues have felt the squeeze recently from what is perceived as tougher enforcement of laws through the state Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, local leaders say.
“In the last few months, I have received a tremendous increase in desperate calls from people who, it’s not their first time doing business,” Shreveport City Council member Jeff Everson said. “I’ve had a lot of phone calls from people needing last-minute help or help understanding what’s going on, and they’re worried.”
The issue at hand is not a new law or ordinance, but complaints of seemingly stricter enforcement that has reportedly resulted in businesses being cited for violations, changes in annual events involving alcohol and difficulty obtaining needed permits.
A cease and desist, then clarification
This past fall, the ATC issued a cease and desist letter to breweries statewide that caused concern for many regarding limitations on how they do business. Owners were also concerned about restrictions for advertising events such as yoga, food trucks and musical acts.
Read more: http://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2017/04/07/alcohol-regulations-affecting-local-businesses/100073938/