Businesses Want To Allow Open Containers In Downtown Alpharetta

Has it been your dream to walk around downtown Alpharetta with a beer or glass of wine in your hand? Perhaps later this year you'll be able to realize that wish, as the city is considering a change to its alcohol ordinance to allow those of legal age to step outside of restaurants with a glass in hand.

The relaxation of an open container law comes at the request of the Downtown Alpharetta Trade Association, which has plans for special events to attract customers to Alpharetta's downtown, said Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard.

Some communities make allowances for this in their downtowns, he said. The proposal presented for discussion to City Council this week is based on Savannah's law.

First the definition of downtown, or at least what part of downtown the practice would be allowed, would be made. Drinkard gave an initial set of boundaries as Old Milton to the south, Church Street to the north with the west side of Roswell Street on one side, and the west side of North Main (GA 9) from Church Street down to Academy, with the eatern boundary then shifting to Haynes Bridge Road.

City Attorney Sam Thomas said only pedestrians could have open containers. All other laws and restrictions would remain in place.

Drinkard said the suggestion was to limit individuals to a single 16-ounce or smaller plastic or paper cup that must be bought at one of the restaurants within the defined area. No six packs could be bought elsewhere and popped open in downtown.

"It also includes a prohibition that would prohibit consumption or possession on a sidewalk in front of a church or house of worship," Drinkard said.

Parks would be excluded from te oridinance, unless a special event was held by the city and City Council made allowances for it.

Public Safety Director Gary George said it's not a big issue for his department.

"It's not any more of an issue than it would be if they were consuming it and then walking outside," George said. "All ordinances apply."

He said it might be tough to enforce the ban on consumption in front of the Baptist church.

Councilwoman Cheryl Oakes said she wants the city to be a good neighbor with its churches.

"Would this exclude Sunday? I just think we ought to be respectful of the churches," Oakes said.

owns; like to look at map, make sure

Donald Mitchell, a member of the DATA board and owner of Donald Mitchell Designs, said the group was looking at ways to bring people downtown. He asked if an October Fest like Atlanta does, barricading an area and including entertainment, was covered under this proposal.

Drinkard said the city had done that once as a special event, and as long as sales were limited to one person buying one drink at a time, it should be possible.

Thomas said the intent of the change in the city ordinance would be to formalize allowing something like that.

Drinkard and Thomas will prepare an ordinance ready for a first reading for adoption, which City Council will discuss in a work session before a final vote to adopt it.