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Politics & Government

'Brown-Bagging' Will Soon Be Allowed in Milton

Businesses that apply for license can allow customers to bring their own wine and beer.

Milton City Council approved an amendment to the city's alcohol ordinance to include provisions to allow “brown-bagging” at its Monday, Aug. 1 meeting, making it possible for some businesses to welcome outside wine and malt beverages.

Before the vote, Milton resident Peyton Jamison urged the council to approve the measure.

“As a Milton business owner, I believe this ordinance will have a profound effect on our business. If passed it will allow us to continue to grow in the city of Milton. If it does not pass it will hinder our ability to compete with other competitors in the metro area. As a resident, I believe this will continue to make Milton a unique community to live and work while not tampering with the rural feel that is Milton,” said Jamison.

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Jamison is the owner of Just For Giggles, an art studio located on Crabapple Road that hopes to allow patrons to bring their own wine in the future.

City Manager Chris Lagerbloom explained the ordinance in more depth before council voted.

“Simply because this reads as an alcohol ordinance to include provisions to allow brown-bagging does not mean that a positive action to this ordinance tonight all of a sudden opens up the flood gates in Milton where any brown bag of alcohol can be taken into any establishment at any time and for any purpose. That is not what this in intended to be,” Lagerbloom said.

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Businesses would have to apply for a license and be approved before being allowed to offer “brown-bagging” services and the approval would not override current ordinances.

Other municipalities that allow “brown-bagging” include Johns Creek, Alpharetta and Atlanta.

In the end, council approved the amendment with revisions such as an establishment must post signage stating that alcohol leaving the premises must be sealed properly and placed in the trunk of the vehicle in accordance with the state’s open container law.

In other business, City Council also voted to approve a resolution to adopt a prepaid wireless 911 charge. While there is a fee current 911 charge of $1.50, prepaid phones have been exempt. This resolution would change that and charge prepaid wireless phones a 75 cent fee. The additional revenue would be collected by the state and dispersed based on population.

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