Will Shreveport be go-cup friendly for Humor & Harmony?
Council and Police Chief Discuss Proposed Open-Container Zone for 50 Cent’s Festival
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is gearing up to bring his Humor & Harmony Festival to Shreveport, but the city is debating whether to embrace a go-cup friendly environment for the event. As the festival date approaches, the Shreveport City Council is set to deliberate on creating an open-container zone in downtown during the three-day music and comedy extravaganza.
Proposed Open-Container Zone Details
The proposed open-container zone would expand the current go-cup-friendly Red River District to encompass a four-block area stretching from under the Texas Street Bridge west to Fannin Street and north to Spring Street. The planned timings for the zone are as follows:
- 5 p.m. on Aug. 8 to 3 a.m. on Aug. 9
- 5 p.m. on Aug. 9 to 3 a.m. on Aug. 10
- 10 a.m. on Aug. 10 to 3 a.m. on Aug. 11
- 10 a.m. on Aug. 11 to 5 p.m. on Aug. 11
Vendor Participation
City Attorney Marcus Edwards revealed that around 10 vendors have expressed their interest in selling alcohol within the proposed zone. These vendors include existing bars in the area, pop-up drink vendors, concessions at the former-Stageworks property hosting a celebrity 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and vendors inside an inflatable dome. If the measure passes, these vendors will be authorized to provide go-cups to attendees.
Councilwoman’s Justification
Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor, the proponent of the measure, defended the need for the open-container zone citing the influx of festival attendees who are expected to seek alcohol. She emphasized that confining drinking to a designated zone will facilitate better crowd management and responsible consumption.
Police Chief’s Concerns
Police Chief Wayne Smith voiced his apprehensions regarding the expanded open-container zone, citing potential issues such as underage drinking, noise complaints, and drunk driving. Smith, wary of the adverse impacts of unrestricted alcohol distribution, highlighted the department’s high rates of impaired driving arrests in recent years.
Opposing Viewpoint
Councilman Grayson Boucher, who previously dissented on a similar decision, reiterated his concerns over safety and indicated his intention to vote against the measure. Despite acknowledging the council’s stance, Boucher stressed the importance of prioritizing public welfare.
As the Shreveport City Council prepares to make a pivotal decision regarding the open-container zone, the community awaits the outcome that will determine the city’s stance on go-cup regulations during major events.
