By Alabama Public Radio
Mobile, AL – Party-goers in Mobile now have the option of staying free of alcohol use.
The Mobile City Council last night approved two alcohol-free zones along the city's Mardi Gras parade route. Enforcement begins tomorrow night during the Order of the Polka Dots parade. Mobile police will be on hand to hand out warning tickets to any offenders. The two restricted areas will be cordoned off and have a police presence.
Fines for violators will be 16 dollars plus court costs, which could run between 125 to 160 dollars.
Another new Mardi Gras ordinance bans the use of laser lights, laser pointers and similar materials during parades.
Mobile is considered the birthplace of Mardi Gras. The first Carnival was celebrated in 1703.
Some of the event's biggest parades are scheduled for this weekend. The Order of the Polka Dots parade begins Thursday night at 6:15. Then on Friday, The Order of the Inca parade hits the streets. This year's theme is "Friday the 13th - A Nightmare to Remember." On Saturday and Sunday, Mardi Gras revelers will enjoy parades by The Mobile Mystics Parade and the Order of the Pharoah.
The celebration concludes on Fat Tuesday the 24th.