Porterdale citizens may soon be able to enjoy mixed drinks at restaurants in town.

 The City Council met for a work session Thursday and proposed the final draft of the ordinance to regulate liquor sales within the city limits.

Council member Arline Chapman said the council has been working closely with lawyers to make sure the ordinance covers everything for the city today, and into the future.

 "We want this to be right the first time," she said. "We have included language that pertains even to hotels should we have one built in Porterdale."

 The ordinance would allow businesses defined as hotels, lounges, restaurants and private clubs, to sell liquor for onsite consumption.

 Businesses looking to sell distilled spirits would be given the opportunity to apply for a liquor license through the state at a fee of $2,500. If the state should refuse the application, Porterdale would issue a refund minus $100 for processing.

 Conversely, licenses won't be granted to any business that operates within 100 yards of housing developments containing 300 homes or more

 Chapman said the council studied surrounding communities and didn't look to do anything more than draft a resolution that would satisfy businesses and residents alike.

 "We haven't reinvented the wheel," she said. "We looked at similar ordinances in Covington and around the county and came up with something we feel will please most everyone."

 Porterdale currently limits restaurants to serving only beer and wine. But the new ordinance would give business owner's another source to attract customers and generate revenue.

 Those businesses already serving beer and wine would be required to obtain a separate pouring license for liquor.

 Businesses would be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages from 6 a.m. until 12 a.m., Monday through Thursday and until 1:45 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The ordinance mandates table clearing of alcohol by 2:15 a.m.

 One point of contention the council has addressed with the ordinance is the public's weariness of adult entertainment in Porterdale.

 Under the new law, any establishment participating in sexual, lewd or indecent conduct, or sexually explicit nudity will not be granted a license.

 "It gives business the ability to serve wine, beer and spirits, but also protects Porterdale residents," Chapman said. "We want to promote economic growth, but we don't want those types of places."

 City manager Tom Fox cautions that the proposed ordinance is just that, and the council still needs to come to an accord at next week's meeting.

 But Chapman feels like the recent string of meetings has given the council the opportunity to draft a document that will pass.

 "We've worked hard and it's been a business-like demeanor at the meeting," she said. "I don't think we'll have to go to another meeting session or wait until next month (June)."

 The council is set to vote on the ordinance during their monthly meeting on May 5.