Commission adopts ordinance adding 'ready-to-drink' beverages to temporary event licenses

The Decatur City Commission on Monday adopted an amendment to the city's alcoholic beverage ordinance to allow "ready-to-drink" (RTD) premixed alcoholic beverages at nonprofit temporary special events.

Assistant City Manager Angela Fredgill described the proposed text changes to Section 6-2 to add a definition of RTD beverages ("a premixed alcoholic beverage contained in a single-serve sealed can or bottle designed for immediate consumption") and to include RTDs alongside beer and wine for on-premises consumption at qualifying charitable events. Staff said the draft had been reviewed by the city attorney for legal form.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about track changes in the redlined draft, whether the edit unintentionally altered annual licensing language and whether organizations with existing licenses would need to seek amendments. Staff said the intent was limited to temporary event licenses and that they would confirm with the city attorney whether existing license-holders need to update their licenses.

After discussion, the commission moved and voted to adopt the ordinance amendment. Staff noted that local nonprofits (including Amplify Decatur and the Decatur Arts Alliance) could take immediate advantage of the revised language for upcoming events.

The ordinance change was approved by roll call vote with commissioners recorded as voting "aye," and no recorded "no" votes in the public record during the meeting.

The commission also approved an individual alcoholic beverage license earlier in the agenda for a new restaurant, 92 Korean Barbecue, for beer, wine and distilled spirits at a ground-floor location on East Trinity Place.