The controversial temporary ABO permit was passed 5-0 by the City Council which allows businesses an automatic two-month alcohol permit while they wait for the normal one. According to Councilman Freddie King, “It makes it easier to do business in the city, that is the best way to describe it.”

The reality is that this ordinance is a stopgap measure put in place to aid businesses so they can sell alcohol in a more timely manner.  Businesses who submit their paperwork are waiting months to get their permits due to the seemingly dysfunctional ABO process at Safety and Permits which is not the way it should be.  

We worked with Councilman King and his office, along with other concerned neighborhood associations, to tighten the language so law-abiding businesses can obtain this privilege, and it is not riddled with loopholes that would allow bad actors to obtain one.

This ordinance has a sunset clause, so the hope is that Safety and Permits can streamline the process to make the process easier while ensuring those who abuse their license are not renewed. Fingers crossed.

The Department of Safety and Permits, under the stewardship of Tammie Jackson, has been making great strides in improving the department's turnaround time on permits. They have been hosting open houses for the public to view the new space, learn about the departments various sections such as ABO, Healthy Homes, STR, etc and meet with the staff who are working towards providing better service for those they serve.

The Open House was informative and it was encouraging to see the progress they have made. We encourage anyone who has an interest to go. We will have an update for the next quarterly open house, or you can check on their website: nola.gov/next/safety-and-permits/home/.