Westwego Loosens Up On Alcohol Sale Locations

WESTWEGO, La. (AP) — The Westwego City Council tossed out a law banning alcohol sales within 1,000 feet of schools, churches or playgrounds, deciding that 300 feet is far enough for bars or stores selling liquor.

Restaurants that provide alcohol to their customers can set up as close as 150 feet to churches, schools or playgrounds, under the ordinance the council authorized on Monday night.

Councilman Johnny Nobles, who began pushing for the changes soon after he took office in July, wants to accommodate potential restaurants that could open along the West Bank Expressway.

City officials said the old 1,000-foot ordinance was enacted years ago to address concerns that Fourth Street would be proliferated with bars.