Impact
WARD: City Wide
COMMITTEE: Public Safety
$ IMPACT: None
Title
Approval of Ordinance 2018-04 amending the City of Smyrna Code of Ordinances to regulate the carry-in or out of alcoholic beverages within authorized Restaurant Districts; to define the process for the designation of a Restaurant District; and to repeal any conflicting provisions.
Body
ISSUE:
The amendment to Chapter 6, Sec. 6-46 “Carry-in prohibited” would allow individuals to carry out and consume an alcoholic beverage from a place of business provided that the individual remain within an authorized Restaurant District, the beverage is purchased from a business with an alcohol license residing within that Restaurant District, and provided they follow all further requirements as defined in the City Code of Ordinances and Georgia state law.
The ordinance also defines the process for the designation of a Restaurant District as requiring a resolution from Mayor and Council.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Smyrna wishes to encourage patronage of local businesses and restaurant districts in the downtown area and other commercial centers around the community so as to support the economic health of the community.
Several municipalities in the region have over the last few years through similar changes to their Code of Ordinances begun to allow the carry-out of alcoholic beverages within authorized areas for the same reasons and seen success with few negative impacts.
This amendment to the City Code of Ordinances would allow individuals to move easily between restaurants and enjoy the communal areas created around commercial centers without the violation of state or municipal law.
RECOMMENDATION/REQUESTED ACTION:
Staff recommends approval.