New ‘To-go Cup’ Law Includes Water Valley In List Of Cities Eligible To Establish Entertainment District

New ‘To-go Cup’ Law Includes Water Valley In List Of Cities Eligible To Establish Entertainment District

By David Howell

Editor

JACKSON – Water Valley is among a dozen cities across the state authorized to establish a downtown entertainment district with boundaries within which people would be allowed to carry open containers of alcohol outside of businesses. 

Also known as the “to-go cup” law, House Bill 1223 was signed by Gov. Phil Bryant last week and includes Hattiesburg, Tupelo, Grenada, Canton, Holly Springs, Corinth, Senatobia, Jackson, Stark-ville, Greenwood, Green-ville and Water Valley as well as any incorporated city, town or village in Jackson, Harrison or Hancock counties. 

The law takes effect July 1 and allows the governing body of municipalities to establish one or more special leisure or recreation districts where alcohol could be consumed outside.

“Water Valley is an up and coming town, we have to look into the future,” Representative Tommy Rey-nolds (D) Water Valley said about the new law. Reynolds added that at some point in the future, if it is the will of the people in the community, the option could enhance the town’s bustling Main Street businesses. Reynolds is also optimistic that the current success of Main Street will continue to attract new businesses.

“We very well could have two or three more restaurants in the future,” the veteran representative told the Herald. “Restaurants and entertainment are big hirers and jobs are important.”