Five Points South designated as city’s newest entertainment district
Five Points South — already a popular spot for bars, eateries and music venues — has been designated an official entertainment district by the Birmingham City Council.
Members voted 8-0 on Dec. 17 to make a portion of Five Points South the city’s third entertainment district effective March 1, 2020.
Within the boundaries of the district, patrons will be allowed to carry open containers of alcohol as they move between establishments.
“It’s about improving the experience of not only those who live here, but those visiting from other cities,” said Councilor Hunter Williams, chair of the Public Safety Committee, in a news release.
The district is located on 20th Street South between 10th Avenue South and 13th Avenue South and will take in some portions of 11th Avenue South and 12th Avenue South.
The hours of operation will be Thursday from 5-11 p.m., Friday from 5 p.m. till midnight and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to midnight.
The entertainment district will increase the enjoyment and convenience of attendees at special events in the area, said Steve Kennedy of Five Points Alliance.
“When was the last time you were at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and you had to go inside to get your beer and you could not bring it outside?” Kennedy said in a video at the City Council Facebook page. “That is just a small example of one thing this is going to allow us to do.”
Patrons will also be able to walk around the area with their drinks and visit local merchants, Kennedy said.
The change should be an economic boost for the neighborhood, officials said.
“We believe it will add to increased sales revenues at the businesses within the footprint of this district,” Williams said.
“It’s important that we have the extra incentive here for people to visit Five Points and spend money,” Councilor Valerie Abbott said.
“It’s really a win for everyone in Five Points and hopefully everybody who comes to visit it,” Kennedy said.
The Uptown area at the BJCC was approved as an entertainment district in 2015, and Pepper Place was approved in January.
State law allows Class 1 municipalities in Alabama to have as many as five entertainment districts.