Entertainment District Causes Discomfort Among Woodstock Leaders

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One of three proposed changes to the city of Woodstock’s alcohol ordinance caused some heartburn among leaders who fear it would change the character of the downtown area.

The City Council on Monday was briefed on three changes city staff seeks to make to its ordinance. One would establish a bring-your-own bottle ordinance to allow businesses that do not have alcohol licenses to obtain special permits. These permits would allow patrons to bring their own beer and wine to events, such as those that allow residents to participate in art projects while sipping wine.

“It would be legitimizing something that’s already happening right now,” said Woodstock Economic Development Director Brian Stockton.

Stockton said the issue came up when a local business owner wanted to host a bring your own bottle event before he obtained his alcohol license from the city, something that would not have been allowed by the state.

The second change would rollback the time restaurants can serve alcohol on Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 10:30 a.m., which would mirror state law. This would apply to places that allow consumption on their premises -- not retail establishments such as package stores.

Both of these proposed changes will be placed on the Council’s Aug. 24 agenda for their first readings.

The third proposed change, which caused the most debate among Woodstock leaders, would create an Entertainment District in downtown. The proposal would allow patrons to take one carry-out plastic container filled with beer, liquor or wine with them as they depart businesses such as a restaurant.

Residents would be allowed to take these containers -- which would be no more than 16 ounces -- onto public spaces such as sidewalks and across streets. Schools, parks and churches would be exempt from that rule.

Private property owners would be allowed to have a say on whether to allow the containers on their land or in their businesses.

Businesses that would be allowed to take part in this initiative must have at least 50 percent of its sales derived from food, so that would exclude bars.

Residents would be allowed to carry this cup only within the proposed boundaries of the district, which would run from the railroad tracks along East Main and Main streets to the north, Fowler Street to the south, Chambers Street to the east and Market Street to the west.

Stockton said city staff brought the issue to the Council’s attention two years ago. Since then, other cities such as Acworth and Roswell have implemented similar districts. Additionally, the Woodstock Downtown Development Authority voted to encourage the city adopt the change.

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Council member Bud Leonard said he did not like the idea, as it could disrupt the city’s reputation of being family-friendly.

“I don’t want to see anything that’s going to impact that family-friendly atmosphere downtown,” he said.

Council members Rob Usher also said he had some issues with the proposal, stating he did not want to project the image that Woodstock is a “party city.”

Council member Warren Johnson stated he was neutral on the idea. Only one elected official -- Liz Baxter -- said she didn’t see a problem with the proposal at hand. Councilman Bob Mueller also said he was not opposed to it, but understood Leonard’s point about retaining the city’s family-friendly image.

Council member Chris Casdia stated the city has received many accolades and distinctions from around the state and country. This proposal, he added, is an unnecessary step in further bolstering the good things Woodstock has to offer.

Mayor Donnie Henriques stated Casdia’s point was “well-taken.”

“We are leading the path, and I don’t think we need to do what the other guys are doing to keep up.”

Henriques added a consensus does not exist just yet on the proposal, and asked staff to continue working on the proposal to bring back at a future date.

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Image via Shutterstock