By Robert Emerick
REV Client Relations Manager
The Birmingham City Council recently approved the Shared Space Permit aimed at helping bars and restaurants safely welcome customers back for an on-site dining experience while also maintaining social distancing rules.
Like with many new strategies in the age of COVID-19, the permit comes with questions. That’s where REV comes in for you, restaurant owners! We’ll explain how the permit works as well as how our team can help you through the process.
What is the Shared Space Permit?
The City of Birmingham has created a special permit that allows the temporary use of designated, outdoor, public space to promote safe distancing during the coronavirus outbreak.
What uses does the permit allow?
- Seating or dining
- Retail use
- Curbside Pickup
Can alcohol be served in a Shared Space footprint?
The Shared Space Permit allows a temporary extension of the licensed premises for sale, service and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The applicant must present a copy of the final permit to the Alabama ABC Board to confirm the City’s consent for the use of the space. The applicant is responsible for appropriate liability insurance for any areas where alcohol is sold or served. In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, AABC has made temporary changes to its rules and processes.
Are the Shared Space Permit and an Entertainment District the same thing?
No. While alcohol may be consumed in the designated Shared Space footprint (see above), open containers cannot be carried between establishments as is allowed in areas designated as an Entertainment District.
How does the Shared Space Permit Work?
The permitting process has been streamlined to make it as simple as possible. Here are the requirements:
- Create a site plan.
- Complete the application, including insurance documentation, hold harmless agreement and pay the $25 non-refundable application fee.
- Set it up and you’re in business!
How can REV Birmingham help?
REV has developed a design guide that includes possible layouts and resources for finding materials like traffic barriers. In addition, REV can provide assistance with:
- Developing your site plan
- Navigating the permit process
- Answering your questions about space design requirements, the permitting process, and ABC requirements
Related News
-
Season 2 of Magic City Match is ready to help Black entrepreneurs grow
Filed Under: Business-Proving, Downtown Birmingham, Events, Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Get Involved, Magic City Match, Potential-Proving, Small Business
Magic City Match is a program that transforms lives and opens doors for Black entrepreneurs and business owners. Led by REV Birmingham and powered by Prosper, this initiative aims to create opportunities for Black-owned businesses by matching them with brick-and-mortar spaces where they can thrive. After a successful pilot program in 2022, Magic City Match is back in action and ready to empower a new wave of entrepreneurs.
-
Unveiling the history of Woodlawn
Filed Under: Front Page, Historic Preservation, Small Business, Uncategorized, Woodlawn
One of the most legendary and storied neighborhoods of Birmingham is Woodlawn. It is a community, anchored by one of the great public high schools of Birmingham, that has produced many citizens who contributed to the life of our city and has had an impact beyond the neighborhood itself. In a short post like this true justice cannot be done to the rich heritage and legacy of Woodlawn. However, we hope that this narrative brings together many of the diverse threads that make up the fabric of the community’s historic arc in a concise piece.
-
Why your pup wants you to move to Downtown Birmingham
Filed Under: Downtown Birmingham, Family Friendly, Front Page, Why BHM
Woof, woof! I’ve been having an absolute blast visiting my sister in Downtown Birmingham. I can hardly wait to share all the details with you once you return from your vacation. In the meantime, I wanted to put paw to paper and tell you all about it, with the hope of convincing you that moving Downtown could be the most wonderful decision ever.