As a proud small business owner and advocate for Montgomery’s economic vitality, I am disappointed by the City Council’s recent amendment to Section 3-9 of the Code of Ordinance, restricting hours of operation for businesses licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. This ordinance delivers a significant setback to our small business community and sends the wrong message about who we are as a city.
Montgomery is a city rich in history, culture, and potential. We should be striving to foster an environment where new businesses want to set roots, thrive, and contribute to our community’s growth.
Let me be clear: Montgomery does not have a small business problem—it has an enforcement problem. A small subset of establishments may indeed be causing issues, but punishing all businesses for the actions of a few is not just unfair—it’s counterproductive. By failing to enforce existing laws and allowing bad actors to continue unchecked, we are failing the responsible businesses that abide by the rules, create jobs, and provide essential services to our community.
If this ordinance is not repealed, it will have a ripple effect, hurting employees, customers, and even the tourism industry. During the holiday season, when families travel through Montgomery and look to experience our city’s unique charm, these opening and closing restrictions will stifle their ability to enjoy what our small businesses have to offer. Employees who depend on early morning shifts to make ends meet will face reduced hours and lost wages. Customers, both local and visiting, will be met with inconvenience and frustration.
As a small business owner, I know firsthand the challenges that come with running a business. My employees are not just names on a payroll—they’re people with families, dreams, ambitions – my family. Policies like this ordinance make it harder for them to succeed and for Montgomery to attract and retain the kind of innovative, community-focused entrepreneurs that will define our future.
We need a city government that acts as a partner to small businesses, not an adversary. Instead of sweeping measures that penalize everyone, we should start engaging in vigorous, candid debates about how to enforce our existing laws effectively. Let’s focus on shutting down the bad actors who exploit our community without jeopardizing the livelihoods of responsible business owners.
Montgomery’s leaders must prioritize collaboration, fairness, and accountability. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and we should be doing everything possible to support them—not imposing barriers that stifle their potential.
As someone deeply invested in Montgomery’s success, I will vote to repeal this ordinance and urge my Council colleagues to do the same and commit to working with business owners and community leaders to develop solutions that address the root of the problem. Together, we can build a city where small businesses thrive, families prosper, and visitors are welcomed with open arms. Montgomery deserves nothing less.
