Councilwoman Susan Guidry's attempt to rein in the growing Maple Street dining and drinking scene by requiring restaurants to apply for special zoning permits in order to sell alcohol was rejected Thursday (Aug. 6).

The New Orleans City Council voted 3-2 in favor of her proposed interim zoning district, one vote short of the four needed for approval. Councilmembers Guidry, Jason Williams and LaToya Cantrell voted in favor while Jared Brossett and Nadine Ramsey voted against the measure. Councilmembers Stacy Head and James Gray were absent.

The City Planning Commission had recommended in a 6-0 vote that the council vote against the the zoning district.

Residents in favor of Guidry's proposal said it was needed to crackdown on restaurants operating as bars or nightclubs. They attract large crowds of college students on the weekends causing noise, trash and parking problems, the residents said.

Those speaking against Guidry's proposal, including business owners and residents, said if there are problems they are caused by a lack of enforcement. The solution is not additional zoning laws that place power over how businesses operate in the hands of the council, they said.

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