Alpharetta Considers Expanding Downtown Open Container District

ALPHARETTA, GA -- The city of Alpharetta wants your feedback about a proposal to expand the open container district in its downtown area.

The city is considering revising the ordinance and expanding the area where special provisions for the sale and consumption of alcohol are in place. Alpharetta notes the review is in response to inquiries from businesses and citizens.

City Clerk Coty Thigpen said the city is "working to engage the public in the discussion."

"We began that effort by mailing a letter to all property owners within the area under consideration for expansion," she added. "Now we are reaching beyond those boundaries to the city at-large.”

Alpharetta’s codes currently offer special allowances for the consumption and sale of alcohol within a portion of downtown. Those provisions were adopted in 2011 and revised slightly in 2015. The provisions include a lower required food to alcohol sales ratio than is in effect in most of Alpharetta, as well as an “open container” allowance that permits patrons of downtown Alpharetta restaurants to consume alcoholic beverages in certain public areas.

Alpharetta leaders plan to formally consider the proposed changes during the June 5 City Council meeting, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. You may also share your questions, thoughts, or concerns on the matter in advance of the meeting by contacting Thigpen at cthigpen@alpharetta.ga.us or 678-297-6003.

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