The public will have a chance to weigh in on Metro Councilman Rodney “Smokie” Bourgeois’ proposal to do away with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board when the Metro Council takes up the issue at its meeting Wednesday. Bourgeois says the ABC board should be replaced by a single director because some its nine members have become too involved in daily operations, which he says should be left to ABC office staffers. Parish attorney Mary Roper says she has no objection to the change. The council’s Finance and Executive Committee referred the issue to the council last week without making a recommendation.
Bourgeois owns three George’s restaurants and bars in Baton Rouge, all of which have liquor licenses. He says his holdings have nothing to do with the push to eliminate the ABC board. Roper’s office says there’s no conflict of interest because Bourgeois does not stand to gain financially by the change. —Steve Sanoski
