Covington County commissioners table request to permit alcohol sales at arena concert

Michael Hughes, introduced to the commission as a commissioner and speaking about a proposed concert at the county arena, asked the panel to approve on-site beer sales so he could finalize performer contracts and advertise ticket sales.

Hughes described a multi-act concert schedule and said he had arranged "a million dollar coverage" for both alcohol and general liability insurance. He told commissioners the arena's fixed seating is 293 and that standing-room arrangements for the floor would depend on the fire marshal's approval.

Commissioners and staff pressed for details about security, staging and the fire marshal's written confirmation. One commissioner said the county currently enforces a no-alcohol policy at arena events and warned that allowing alcohol for one promoter could create pressure to allow it for others. A county staff member advised that any promoter seeking to sell alcohol must request permission and be treated consistently on application; she recommended obtaining a letter from the fire marshal showing how many standing patrons could be accommodated before advertising the event.

After discussion about insurance, oversight by the Alabama Beverage Control (ABC) and how concessions revenue would be shared under the county contract, a commissioner moved to table the request to allow staff and commissioners time to research legal, logistical and safety issues. The motion was seconded and carried; commissioners set the item for further consideration at the commission's April 28 meeting.

The commission did not approve alcohol sales at the meeting and asked Hughes to secure the fire marshal's written capacity determination and any required ABC paperwork before the matter returns for a final decision.