Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Alcohol Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Peachtree City council weighs 12‑month open‑container pilot at The Avenue as residents voice safety concerns
Summary
Council discussed a proposed 12‑month pilot to allow open containers at The Avenue, with proponents citing economic benefit and police saying they have no objection; some council members and residents warned of underage drinking, enforcement costs and loss of family‑friendly character.
City staff and business representatives urged a cautious test of an open‑container entertainment district at The Avenue, while council members and residents raised safety and community‑character concerns.
Michael Polichek presented a proposal to allow open containers in a defined entertainment district at The Avenue, framed as a 12‑month pilot with strict operational rules — designated plastic cups, clear boundaries and required safety protocols. "This proposal simply builds on a model we've already used, successfully implemented, and now extending it in a controlled and consistent way," Polichek said, noting that open containers are already allowed for special events.
Kelly Lawrence, marketing manager for JLL at The Avenue, told council the center seeks to serve as Peachtree City's unofficial downtown and that management and merchants intend to cooperate closely with police to enforce rules. "We will continue to work with our tenants, City Council, and our local law enforcement to make sure that this pilot program, if it is approved, goes smoothly," she said.
Council reaction was mixed. One council member outlined a series of objections — potential underage drinking, added policing costs, and the risk the policy would spread to other village centers — and said the change would conflict with the city's family‑oriented character. Councilwoman Johnson said she was not personally in favor of a standing open‑container policy outside of special events and emphasized that The Avenue's parking and layout differ from larger entertainment corridors; she noted that special events are typically better patrolled.
Councilman Holland, citing earlier police input, said the department previously saw no significant public‑safety barriers to a pilot and indicated he would support a time‑limited test. "If it is the will of the council, the police department has no objection," he said, referencing earlier briefings from department staff.
No vote was taken; Polichek said the ordinance and licensing would require applicants to submit substantial documentation and that approval of an ordinance would not automatically guarantee a license. Staff framed potential licensing as calendar‑year based (licenses would be valid through Dec. 31 if issued), and emphasized the pilot nature of the proposal.
Next steps: Council directed further review; if the ordinance reaches a formal agenda, licensing requirements and operational safeguards will be included for staff and council consideration.
