Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Foley is set to unveil its new Arts and Entertainment District today, Thursday, November 21st, coinciding with the downtown's monthly Third Thursday celebration. The district will allow patrons to enjoy alcoholic beverages outdoors within designated areas, aiming to boost local businesses and enhance community engagement. 

Inside the district, patrons of participating local restaurants and bars will be allowed to take drinks outside the businesses. The entertainment district will bring more business and activity to downtown, enhancing community engagement and cultural activities.

The November Third Thursday will also include the official opening of the new Cat Alley walkway and public seating area, near 106 N. Alston St. The opening ceremony will take place at 4 p.m.

This addition to Downtown Foley offers a space for residents and visitors to enjoy. The alley was a Foley Main Street Design committee project in partnership with the city of Foley, Main Street Alabama, the Foley Art Center, Baldwin County Board of Realtors, the Foley Revitalization and Beautification Advisory Board and with the full cooperation of the downtown business BrightSpeed. 

The Foley City Council approved the creation of the entertainment district in the downtown area west of Alabama 59 earlier this year.

Participating businesses include The Gathering Place, Foley Brunch and Supper Club, Scuttlebutt Pub, Southern Shores Eats and Drinks and Mama Mia's Pizzeria. 

District hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.

Drinks must be in approved containers purchased at the participating district restaurants and bars. Approved cups are a non-glass container that holds no more than 16 ounces of liquid. The businesses provide the cups when selling a drink. The containers must have the Arts and Entertainment District logo to qualify for the program.

Drinks taken from one district bar or restaurant cannot be carried into another participating business. 

The Downtown Foley A&E District's boundaries will be posted around town and the sidewalks are marked with boundary stencils.

Drinking will not be allowed in some outside areas in the district, such as parking lots. All restrictions against underage drinking and public intoxication would also continue to be enforced in the district.