While Chelsea’s battle with the state is not through, the Baton Rouge establishment is urging Chelsea supporters to back Senate Bill 136 — giving restaurants more liberty with their alcohol sales.
The bill by Sen. Lydia Jackson, D-Shreveport, that will be heard in the Senate Committee Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. would provide a more concrete definition for a restaurant “R” permit.
If passed, the bill will allow businesses to continue that operate primarily as a restaurant, but that also provide live entertainment, require cover charges, and serve alcoholic beverages at a reduced cost.
“I support the bill,” said Chelsea’s owner Dave Remmetter. “What it does is clarify the laws.”
Remmetter said the gaps in the current law on class R liquor licenses allow the Alcohol and Tobacco Control officials to have too much room for interpretation when administrating the law.
The bill would also help all restaurants in Baton Rouge and the state that serve drink specials, he said.
Chelsea’s is urging supporters to be present at the hearing Tuesday and is circulating an online petition that has 458 signatures as of Monday backing the bill.Contact Joy Lukachick at [email protected]