The Birmingham City Council unanimously approved on Wednesday changing the law to allow pedal bus passengers to drink alcohol while on tours of the city.

The owners of Birmingham Pedal Tours asked the city to allow riders to possess and consume canned wine and beer. They said the prohibition has hindered their business.

"This is a progressive move for Birmingham," said Birmingham Pedal Tours co-owner Jason Kobza. "It will surely expand our customer base and allow Birmingham Pedal Tours to compete with other major cities for tourism while driving additional revenue in local establishments via package sales."

The Birmingham City Council in April approved an ordinance allowing pedal buses and pedal bus services to operate in the city. The vehicles seat around 14 passengers and operate at speeds around 15 miles per hour. The pedal bus services only operate on pre-arranged tours.

Assistant city attorney Julie Barnard said the amendment was needed to allow consumption of alcohol on pedal buses because city law prohibits drinking in public. Public drinking is only allowed in the Uptown Entertainment District.

Jason Kobza said he and his wife, Claire, began asking for the ordinance change in July.

"We will continue to highlight Birmingham's growing craft beer scene, great restaurants, bars and historic landmarks by expanding our tours beyond the Lakeview and Avondale neighborhoods," he said. We have two pedal bikes stationed at TrimTab and one at Good People to accommodate future customers."

Kobza said the beer and wine cans will be collected and recycled. The proceeds will be donated to charity.

According to the amended ordinance, no glass containers will be allowed on board pedal buses. While at Uptown, passengers can possess and consume a beverage from a restaurant authorized for off-premise alcohol sales.

The pedal bus service can't sell alcoholic beverages unless they become licensed by the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, according to the ordinance. Drivers of the pedal buses are prohibited from drinking alcohol.

City officials have yet to say when the amended law will go into effect.

Updated at 12:09 p.m. to include new comments from Birmingham Pedal Tours owner.