JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The owner of a longtime Jackson restaurant is seeking resort status for his business.

Malcolm White of Hal & Mal’s tells the Clarion-Ledger (http://on.thec-l.com/21vLmjN) if the city creates a resort status for downtown that doesn’t include his restaurant in the future, his family would consider moving elsewhere.

City Council President Melvin Priester Jr. says an item will be placed on the council’s next meeting agenda to discuss a resort status designation for Hal & Mal’s and other businesses.

Mike Davis, with the city economic development office, says Hal & Mal’s and another restaurant could be included in the next phase of a resolution to declare a parcel of property as a resort status area.

A resort status would allow businesses to operate 24 hours a day and sell alcoholic beverages.

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