Ruston City Council Passes Midnight Liquor Sales Ban Amidst Local Opposition

The Ruston City Council has enacted a controversial ordinance banning liquor sales after midnight, aimed at addressing ongoing complaints about public intoxication and disturbances from bar patrons. This decision followed months of heated discussions, with local business owners arguing that the ban could harm their livelihoods and fail to resolve the city's issues. During a recent public meeting, no attendees supported the ordinance, while 14 individuals, primarily from the bar and restaurant industry, voiced strong objections. The legislation requires all liquor-selling businesses to close by 1 a. m.

, regardless of size or operating hours. Council members hope this action will encourage local establishments to take greater responsibility for their patrons' behavior. The ordinance is set to take effect shortly and will automatically expire in November 2025 unless extended or amended by the council. Critics, including business owners, question the lack of data supporting such a sweeping ban and express concern over its potential impact on the local economy, leaving many in the community to wonder if this approach will effectively address the issues or create new challenges for local businesses.