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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

The Jemison City Council amended its ordinance on alcohol consumption in the city auditorium during a May 1 meeting.

The change eliminates beer as an option, but permits champagne and wine to be served or sold at events, when the required license is secured. The auditorium is rented out by the public for various events.

Council members approved the change unanimously. Council member Lake Gilliland was absent.

With the elimination of beer at events, the ordinance was also changed to decrease the number of police officers required to act as security for such events from three to two. The pay per hour that officers working these events will be paid was increased from $25 to $35.

The council suspended the rules to be able to approve the ordinance on the same night it was first presented.

Police presence is required whenever alcohol is being served. This is provided by off-duty officers or reserve officers, according to Deputy Police Chief Marc McMinn. McMinn confirmed that the department has always been able to find officers willing to work events.