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Shelbyville board continues work on Entertainment District code amendment; will seek TABC/MTAS guidance
Summary
Board members discussed plans to create an Entertainment District allowing designated open consumption of beer on public premises, noted the city code must be amended, and said they will seek input from TABC and MTAS with a follow-up expected in early 2026.
Shelbyville Beer Board members continued discussion on creating an Entertainment District intended to allow designated establishments to permit open consumption of beer within a defined public area, but the board had no formal proposal to vote on Dec. 10.
Staff and board members said the city code currently makes public consumption of beer an open-attempt (open container) violation and that the code would need amendment to exempt a designated Entertainment District. Board members discussed how other cities handle designated premises (examples cited included Station Street in Chattanooga and Beale Street) and emphasized that designation would be limited to specified businesses rather than granting the privilege to every downtown establishment.
Staff said they will consult the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and submit proposed code language to MTAS (Municipal Technical Advisory Service) for review; the board expects to receive a draft after those reviews and to discuss it further in January or February. No formal direction, ordinance, or vote to adopt code language occurred at the meeting.
Board members noted the policy carries implications for fairness (which establishments would be eligible), enforcement, and whether leased public right-of-way could be treated as private premises for the purpose of permitting on-street consumption. Staff framed the district as a potential economic development tool intended to concentrate activity in a walkable area.
Next steps: staff will seek outside guidance (TABC, MTAS), circulate draft language for council consideration, and report back to the Beer Board and City Council when a formal proposal is ready.
