Lake Wales discusses "ACE" downtown social district to allow registered open containers; planning and enforcement questions remain

Autumn Coachella, growth management staff lead, presented proposed code amendments to create an Arts, Culture and Entertainment (ACE) District in downtown Lake Wales that would allow registered restaurants and bars to permit patrons to carry alcoholic beverages in city‑issued, identifiable cups within a mapped boundary.

Coachella described the purpose as encouraging "community vibrancy and the economic success of entertainment, retail, and restaurant uses within a limited defined area of the city." The proposed district boundaries are west of Scenic Highway, south of Orange Avenue, east of North First Street and north of East Central Avenue; the sidewalks within and directly adjacent to those boundaries would be included and the boundaries would be marked with signage.

The ordinance package includes amendments to three code chapters: chapter 5 (alcohol), chapter 18 and chapter 23 (land development regulations). Staff said the planning and zoning board recommended changes to chapter 23 and that planners also included an amendment recommended by the planning board to require that all bars in the downtown go through a special exception use permit process rather than allowing the first three by right.

Commissioners questioned enforcement and public‑safety implications, including whether package liquor stores could indirectly place alcohol into the district, how city officers would identify permitted cups, the potential for increased public intoxication and impacts on families and children attending downtown events. Police Chief Chris Velasquez told commissioners the department believes culture, management and enforcement practices shape behavior and said the city can suspend or revoke the program if problems develop. "If it did become that, I would be standing here and say, we gotta do something different," the chief said.

Staff described operational details: participating establishments would register with the city, be issued signage and use a designated clear cup that would make it easier for officers to identify authorized open‑container consumption within the district. Staff also noted that city parks and city facilities would be excluded from the open‑container allowance and that existing special event rules would still apply for large events.

The commission debated whether to retain the planning board's recommended change to require specials exception permits for all bars in the downtown or to preserve the prior code allowing the first three bars by right with later applications subject to special review. No ordinance reading or final action occurred at the work session; staff said the ordinance exhibits and map are available in the packet and the item will return for formal action.