The Andalusia City Council on Tuesday approved a liquor license for Big Mike’s, the new steakhouse set to open in downtown Andalusia in November.

Mayor Earl Johnson said restaurant equipment is being moved in this week, and the city, which owns the property and has been acting as general contractor for the renovations, will turn the facility over to the restaurant in a couple of weeks.

The doors should be open by Thanksgiving, he said.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a new contract with the county for housing inmates. A rate increase implemented by the county means the city will pay approximately $10,000 more for the service next year.
• Agreed to negotiate with the county to renew its contract for the animal shelter. Andalusia has the only shelter in the county, and contracts with the county to accept animals from other places.
• Tabled a request for an ABC license for The Happy Kitchen, located at 700 Westgate.