City Springs Alcohol District Approved By Council

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- Sandy Springs leaders are already making moves to ensure its City Springs development will be a unique way to attract residents and businesses alike.

The City Council at its Jan. 17 meeting approved establishing an entertainment district where patrons can consume alcohol outdoors in a defined area.

The boundary is defined by Mt. Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs Circle, Johnson Ferry Road and Roswell Road. It also includes the area of the city parking lot between Hilderbrand Drive and Mt. Vernon.

The ordinance allows no more than two drinks to be served at one time, and requires that they be served only in plastic cups up to 16 ounces. It also allows festivals to sell alcohol, provided organizers obtain a special events permit issued by the city, said Assistant City Manager Jim Tolbert.

Also, anyone consuming beverages inside the district will not be able to take those cups outside the open container area and it only applies to drinks purchased at establishments within the boundary.

Tolbert said it was imperative the city iron out the ordinance, as it will allow private partners of the development to move forward in negotiations with entities considering lease agreements.

City Councilman Chris Burnett added if there would be any signage to direct residents where the boundary ends and begins.

“That might not be a bad idea, sir,” Tolbert said, adding city staff members will look into that.

Some Council members did wonder if the ordinance would put those outside the boundaries at a disadvantage. Councilman John Paulson asked if the boundaries could be amended in the future to include other parcels, to which Tolbert said could be a possibility.

Fellow Councilman Gabriel Sterling, however, noted it was much easier in the long run to start with a smaller boundary rather than to "start big and take it away" if something goes awry.

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