Farish Street bill stalls in Senate
A bill that would allow developers of the Farish Street district to sell alcohol failed to clear the Mississippi Senate today.
The bill needed 25 votes to pass. Twenty-four senators voted for it, and 17 voted against it. It could be debated again.
“You’re kidding,” Mayor Frank Melton said when told of the vote. “I would appreciate it if they would reconsider that.”
Melton said he would talk to members of the Jackson metro delegation today to see what could be done to get the bill back on the Senate’s agenda. The mayor said he believes the development should not have to appeal to the Legislature for help since plans for the entertainment district were on the drawing board long before the
expansion by the Mississippi College School of Law expanded to within 100 feet of the development.
State law forbids selling alcohol within 100 feet of a school, church or funeral home.
If the bill does not make it through, Melton said he has identified several local restaurants that do no sell alcohol that could move to Farish Street instead.
“Either way, we’ll be fine,” he said.
Melton does not have the authority to sign tenants to the development.
Clarion Ledger
7/3/8
Magnolia Tribune
