Downtown leaders nationwide are exploring the option of allowing consumption of alcoholic beverages in designated districts, or at specific events and the results are largely positive.Alpharetta, GA, passed an ordinance in 2011 allowing one drink per person in a plastic or paper cup of no more than 16 ounces, purchased from a restaurant, to be carried within a specified area downtown. Open containers are allowed during the hours that alcohol is legally served at downtown establishments.
Despite the open container ordinance being expanded to include not only downtown but also the new Avalon district, only a few restaurants have taken advantage of the new law. For those that have, the results have been positive and the ordinance has played a role in attracting new restaurants.
One bar owner reports that the law is great for business, especially on Thursday evenings, when people, “come in, grab a beer from us and are able to walk around town,” taking advantage of food trucks, as well as the brick-and-mortar businesses downtown.
In addition, Mayor David Belle notes that the law helps bring a sense of identity to the city. “We wanted to make it an atmosphere that was still family supportive, but at the same time, allow people to come and have fun.”
And George Gordon, the city’s public safety spokesman, notes that as long as owners and patrons comply with the law, he sees few problems with enforcement. “It’s a well-written ordinance. Business owners understand the expectations and requirements,” he says. “We really have not had any issues with public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, DUIs, or anything like that.”
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