State Ok’s new Birmingham 15 Entertainment Districts law

Legislation that would allow up to 15 entertainment districts in the city of Birmingham is now law.

Sponsored by longtime State Senator Rodger Smitherman, the legislation was listed earlier this year as a city of Birmingham priority by Mayor Randall Woodfin and the City Council.

“The world is coming to Birmingham in a few months —we are going to have visitors from all over the world,” Senator Smitherman told Bham Now. “Entertainment districts give us the flexibility, economic development and opportunity that the city needs. It gives us an identity as a destination — a place that offers hospitality and venues that make people want to come back over and over again to Birmingham.”

What’s in the Law?

Under existing law, a Class 1 municipality may establish up to five entertainment districts. The new law authorizes the governing body of a Class 1 municipality to establish up to 15 entertainment districts. 

The city of Birmingham is Alabama’s only Class 1 municipality.

What is an entertainment district?

An entertainment district is a designated area for businesses with alcohol licenses to allow drinks to be taken off premises within the district’s boundaries and during certain hours. 

Presently, the Magic City has carved out four entertainment districts, which are: 

• Uptown/BJCC
• Five Points South
• Avondale 
• Pepper Place

Recently, Entertainment Districts have become very popular in Birmingham, neighboring suburbs and small towns across the state. Since 2020, Hoover, Trussville, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Homewood and Helena all approved new entertainment districts. Beyond the Magic City, Anniston and Clanton have declared parts of their downtown areas entertainment districts too.

Where do YOU think Birmingham’s next entertainment district should be? Tag us @bhamnow to share your thoughts!