Tuscaloosa Public Projects Committee pushes for permanent Entertainment District

Despite much debate from residents and business owners, the Tuscaloosa Public Projects Committee is pushing its agenda to convert the temporary Downtown Entertainment District into a permanent Tuscaloosa staple.

A trial run has been in effect since September of 2017 and has been extended several times. The Committee is advocating for extended hours on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as adding Sunday hours of noon to 9 p.m.

Between the hours of 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, patrons can carry open alcohol within designated boundaries of the district. “The goal is to support arts and entertainment and promote activity downtown,” said councilwoman Tera Tubbs.

Some residents, like Lee Busby, fear this district will become a “Bourbon Street atmosphere.” Busby proposed drunken vandalism concerns and reminded the Committee of a man who was beaten to death in a drunken fight downtown. “Drinking is better controlled inside the establishments,” said Busby.

The fight that Busby referenced happened outside the hours of the Entertainment District.

Dan Robinson, owner of Cravings Specialty Foods, who suggested the creation of the district, says there have been “no problems during trial runs.”

Robinson believes a permanent Entertainment District would draw people to the newest restaurants and retail downtown, as well as benefit local art galleries. Patrons would have the opportunity to explore “First Fridays,” in which the downtown art galleries stay open late. “With the Entertainment District, people can walk from gallery to gallery with their refreshments,” said Robinson.

The current borders of the district run, roughly, from 20th Avenue beginning at 9th Street to 28th Avenue and extend North to the Riverwalk along Jack Warner Parkway. The Committee seeks to establish permanent markings on sidewalks that mark the boundaries of the Entertainment District.

The Tuscaloosa City Council will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 20 to vote on extending hours on Friday and Saturday, as well as adding Sunday hours.