Council approves Main Street social-district ordinance after 3-2 vote

Washington City Council on Dec. 12 adopted an amendment to Chapter 20 creating a social district that would allow outdoor consumption of alcohol in a defined area along Main Street and adjacent sidewalks during set hours. The ordinance passed 3–2 after an amendment to include a map of the district was added to the package sent to the state for final approval.

The measure, introduced by City Manager Jonathan Russell and explained by City Attorney Franz Holscher, would permit outdoor alcohol consumption Thursday–Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., subject to a state approval process that requires a written description, a map and on-the-ground signage. Holscher said the package will include a maintenance and management plan covering cups, placards and stickers and that statutes require signage designating the district.

Councilmember Mike Renn moved to adopt the ordinance with the amendment to include a map; Councilmember Lou Hodges seconded. The motion carried with Renn, Hodges and Mayor Pro tem Richard Brooks voting for the ordinance and Councilmembers William Pitt and Bobby E. Roberson voting against it. Roberson said he was concerned about added law-enforcement costs; Director Drakeford responded that officers already patrol the area and staff did not anticipate adding personnel.

The ordinance will be submitted to the state with the map and supporting documentation; final operation of the district and required signage are contingent on state approval and the city’s maintenance plan. The council’s action was recorded as an amended adoption; no implementation timeline was specified at the meeting.

The council meeting record shows further discussion about signage, participant notifications and the package that must be posted at participating businesses before the district could operate.