KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Businesses in Westport could get a boost starting in August.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed a law allowing two outdoor festivals a month in the entertainment district. That means patrons will be able to walk from bar to bar in a restricted area with an alcoholic drink during the festival periods.

Business owners in Westport had complained that the new Power and Light District downtown had an unfair advantage because moving from bar to bar with a drink was already legal there.

City officials must now hold a public hearing on the proposed plan for festivals. At least half the property owners, business owners and area residents must agree before the festivals will be allowed.