The West Point City Council is considering limiting the time allowed for alcohol sales within its city limits. Mayor Pro Tem Steve Tramell said updating the ordinance would ensure local restaurants cut off sales at the same time as Chattabrewchee Southern Brewhouse.

The current ordinance requires alcohol sales to end at 1:55 a.m., but the council is considering changing that time to 11:30 p.m.

“We had to create a new ordinance when Chattabrewchee was opened up to allow them to sell alcohol. When we established it with them, we set their cut off time at 11:30 p.m. We would like to get everyone at 11:30 p.m.,” Tramell said.

City Manager Ed Moon said during the city council meeting that the current ordinance is difficult for the police department.

“That late night service has created some problems for us, has caused more work for the police department and created a dangerous environment in the community,” Moon said.

Tramell said the council wants the drinking ordinance to be reasonable for the city while keeping it safe.

“We had some issues really late at night. It’s a small town, small police force, we need to keep hours reasonable for drinking,” he said.

Tramell said the new amendment would not be a problem for local restaurants.

“I’ve spoken to the restaurants in downtown that serve alcohol, and they’re all fine with that or are already closed by those hours anyhow,” he said.

According to Moon, the sell by the drink ordinance right now is from 7 a.m. until 1:55 a.m.

The council would change it Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Jan. 1 until 1 a.m. for distilled spirits and malt beverages.

Tramell said before the city’s next work session on Oct. 5, he will research if the city has a 50-50 rule on alcohol and food sales.

A law that, if it exists, could require restaurants that serve alcohol to reach a certain percentage of food sales.

Moon said the council will vote on the ordinance amendment at its next meeting Oct. 9.