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Peachtree City council narrowly approves pilot allowing open containers at The Avenue over safety objections
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Summary
The council approved an amendment to the alcohol ordinance creating a defined entertainment‑district license and a $500 fee for The Avenue in a 3‑2 vote after a debate about youth access, public safety and whether a short pilot would be sufficient to evaluate impacts.
Councilmember Michael Polacek urged colleagues to approve an amendment to Chapter 6 of the city’s alcohol ordinance to create an entertainment‑district license allowing patrons to carry drinks within a defined commercial area at The Avenue, framing it as a 7½‑to‑12‑month pilot to support local businesses and gather data. "This 12 month pilot program is a limited, thoughtful step," Polacek said, adding that other suburban cities have used similar districts "to increase foot traffic, support small businesses and create safe, vibrant public spaces."
Councilwoman Suzanne Brown opposed the change, repeatedly warning it would make the city less safe for minors and risk turning Peachtree City into a "party city." Brown said open containers and public drinking would increase opportunities for minors to access alcohol and raise enforcement burdens: "Public drinking often occurs in less controlled environments ... making underage consumption harder to detect and intervene in."
Staff clarified that alcohol licenses are issued on a calendar‑year basis and that the licenses created by the ordinance would be issued through Dec. 31, 2026, meaning the initial term would run roughly 7½ months unless the council later extends it. City attorney and staff comments emphasized that council may revisit or repeal the ordinance in future sessions. At one point Ted Meeker told councilors the license timing "isn't a 12 month license" and staff said renewals and revisiting the ordinance are available options.
Polacek reiterated that his review of other cities' data and consultations with public‑safety officials found no consistent evidence that properly managed entertainment districts increase underage drinking or violence. "Enforcement does not change," he said. He also proposed adding a sunset clause if that would make colleagues more comfortable.
After discussion and a motion to adopt the ordinance amendment and fee schedule as presented, the council voted 3‑2 to approve the change. The meeting record does not show roll‑call vote assignments to individual members in the transcript; the chair announced the motion carried 3‑2.
The council set a $500 fee for the entertainment‑district license; staff said that fee is intended to cover administrative costs to review applications and issue permits. The ordinance will be on the books going forward unless the council later amends or repeals it.
Polacek said the pilot is intended to generate measurable data for a future decision: if the city sees problems, the council can modify or end the program. Councilmembers who opposed the change said concerns about youth access, parking and daily police coverage remain unresolved.
The council adopted the ordinance amendment and fee schedule; staff will process license applications under the new chapter and provide data and updates for future council consideration.
