Daphne approves St. Patrick's Day event

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DAPHNE – In another split vote, the Daphne City Council approved the final permit for a downtown gathering on St. Patrick’s Day, but Mayor Robin LeJeune said organizers have made concessions for safety during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The council voted 5-1 to approve a temporary alcohol permit for the St. Pat’s Block Party will be held by Manci’s Antique Club on March 13.

The council had also split on an earlier vote to close Belrose Street next to the club for the event, but LeJeune said the activity has been scaled back.

“They've cut back and there's no access to the street. You can't have street party, say like in Mobile. with that special exemption,” LeJeune said. “We have closed Belrose right next to it, but that is purely for security. There will not be any participants on the street so it is limited in size on how big it can be. The owners have scaled back their party, so it will be even more limited.”

LeJeune said that after other events had been called off during the pandemic, the time was approaching to resume events.

“So we feel what they've done, what they're trying to do and with the start of the decline in cases and with people getting the vaccines that they're doing what they can to make it safe and fun,” LeJeune said. “With the cancelling of Mardi Gras, it's nice to actually see some sort of a celebration that can be done in a safe manner.”

Councilman Steve Olen cast the only vote against the permit on March 1. Olen did not comment after the March 1 vote. After voting against an earlier request to close Belrose Avenue for the event, Olen said he was concerned about the health risks for public gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The council also approved the earlier request to close Belrose.