THOMASVILLE, GA — On Monday night, the Thomasville City Council approved to amend the current alcoholic beverage ordinance, creating a new Downtown Entertainment District.
In a press release, it states that this approval creates regulations for the consumption of alcoholic beverages and outdoor dining on public property within the district.
The ordinance takes effect next month on October 1st. Below are the alcohol consumption hours on public property throughout the Entertainment District:
- Monday - Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 12:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Below are the areas where alcoholic beverages may not be consumed and container requirements:
- On parcels used as a church, daycare center, or school.
- In any private parking lot within the Entertainment District.
- Beverages must be purchased from a licensed establishment within the Entertainment District.
- Beverages must be served in a clear plastic cup no larger than 16 oz.
- Beverages must include an identifying logo from the establishment where the beverage was purchased.
The city must also install signs marking the boundaries of the Entertainment District, and businesses must also post signage at all entrances/exits notifying customers of the public consumption rules.
BROADCAST SCRIPT
A big change is coming to downtown Thomasville.
For the first time, people will be able to drink outdoors in a designated entertainment district.
I'm talking to city leaders and business owners about what this means for the local economy.
With Thomasville growing its downtown scene, city leaders are taking a new step. On Monday night, council passed an ordinance creating a downtown entertainment district.
It will let people drink alcohol outside while shopping, dining, or walking around.
City staff said they studied more than 50 other Georgia cities that already have these districts before bringing it to Thomasville.
"So, a downtown entertainment district is something that is common among many downtown communities, especially in Georgia. We have done extensive research, and as of even 2021, there were over 50 Georgia cities who had implemented an entertainment district or downtown dining district that allowed for the walkability of being able to shop while having an alcoholic beverage from an established restaurant," said April Norton, Managing Director of Marketing & Communications.
The city said safety was a top concern. The new rules include set hours — Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays starting at 12:30 p.m. Drinks have to be in a clear 16-ounce cup with the restaurant's logo, and they can't be taken into churches, schools, or daycares.
"We are 15 plus years in event-based alcohol, being able to sip and stroll, and have not received any challenges due to that. And so, this is a great extension of that, including that walkability and shopping experience, which is truly an economic vitality tool for downtown Thomasville," Norton said.
I spoke with Fernando Pena, who owns a Mexican restaurant downtown.
"And I was actually talking to our manager earlier today, and I was like, hey, you know, we need to think about how we're going to, you know, set up the back area and turn it into, like, an outside area for people to, you know, enjoy green, so, you know, be outside socializing and stuff. So, yeah, I mean, you, you definitely, right away, you want to take advantage of stuff like that," Pena said.
And the rules don't just cover walking around with drinks.
The ordinance also legalizes outdoor dining with alcohol on sidewalks and public spaces, something that was previously prohibited.
The city plans to post signs marking district boundaries, and businesses will have to put up their own notices to keep everyone in compliance.
This all goes into effect October 1st.
For more details on the ordinance, click here.
Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website.
Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.
