Politics & Government

Downtown Alpharetta Visitors May Get to Walk Around with Beer, Liquor

The City Council approved a first reading of an ordinance change allowing restaurants licensed for alcohol sales to allow customers to go outside with a single drink in hand.

With one more reading of a change to its alcohol ordinance, diners in downtown Alpharetta will be able to step outside of restaurants with a beer or a drink in hand without fear of arrest.

The Alpharetta City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance change requested by the Downtown Alpharetta Trade Association (DATA) that would allow patrons of downtown restaurants with liquor licenses to carry a single drink in a plastic cup outside as they go to other businesses within downtown.

"That would be the common practice, not limited to festivals and events," said Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard.

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"And it would be any business that is currently licensed to sell for consumption on the premises that would be able to sell on these terms," he said.

Another provision creating this downtown district would require restaurants within it to only need to meet a 50-50 ratio on food sales to alcohol sales, a loosening of the requirement for the rest of the city, which requires 60 percent food sales to 40 percent alcohol as a maximum.

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Larry Attiq, owner of Natures Veranda, spoke for DATA to thank the City Council for considering the changes.

"We as an organization really believe this...will really make a difference for downtown," he said.

DATA has been trying many things to bring people downtown, but he did make a tongue in cheek promise: "We're not going to be having any fraternity keg parties at night," Attiq said.

The second reading of the ordinance will be on Monday, Aug. 22, said City Attorney Sam Thomas.


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