Nashville will ban all ‘transpotainment’ operations, regardless of whether alcohol is on board – Tennessean

Nashville’s health director plans to further amend a public health order Thursday that would ban all “transpotainment” operations, even if no alcohol is on board. 

Dr. Michael Caldwell told council members on a call Thursday morning the city will move to shut down all entertainment vehicles, popular among tourists on Nashville’s Lower Broadway. 

The decision comes after officials announced last week that these vehicles must shut down, but allowed larger vehicles such as party buses and barges to operate “as long as alcohol is not being consumed when they are on the street.” 

Health Department spokesperson Brian Todd told The Tennessean Tuesday the provision was intended to “differentiate between party barges and the like” and “actual transportation needs.” 

Yet over the weekend, photos on social media showed crowded vehicles with individuals holding plastic cups or drinks in-hand and flouting other public health orders including the city’s mask mandate. 

Todd did not directly respond to a question Tuesday on how the city is enforcing the no alcohol rule on the vehicles, but said the health department appreciates the support of Nashville police to enforce requirements. No citations have been issued as of this past weekend, he said. 

Caldwell said the changes for a complete shut down will be announced by the end of Thursday. The order, along with bar closures, is expected to be in place until at least Aug. 16. 

Related: Nashville Beer Board says it can’t be sued and should be dismissed from honky-tonk COVID-19 lawsuit

Yihyun Jeong covers politics in Nashville for USA TODAY NETWORK – TENNESSEE. Reach her at yjeong@tennessean.com and follow her on Twitter @yihyun_jeong.

Published 12:31 PM EDT Jul 30, 2020