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Belltown developer pitches pilot pedestrian beverage zone; commissioners press on underage access and enforcement
Summary
At an agenda-review session, Josh Sanderson proposed a pilot "pedestrian beverage zone" for private Belltown property that would let patrons carry designated drinks between participating establishments. Commissioners pressed for enforcement protocols, underage-prevention measures such as wristbands, and a six-month reporting requirement in the resolution.
Josh Sanderson, an organizer and Belltown resident, asked Knox County commissioners to approve a pilot “pedestrian beverage zone” (PBZ) on private property in Belltown that would let customers carry designated drinks between participating businesses.
Sanderson said the PBZ would mirror features used downtown: designated cups and stickers, entry and exit signage, trash receptacles at boundaries and restrictions that only drinks purchased from participating restaurants could be carried through the campus. “This is not promoting bringing alcohol from the outside to consume on campus,” he said, and emphasized the area is private property except for West Emory (a state highway).
Commissioners focused on enforcement and underage access. Commissioner Thompson asked for sheriff's-office involvement for underage-audit protocols and whether wristbands or stamps would accompany the stickered cups; Sanderson said bartenders would ID patrons and that wristbands could be added to the resolution. Commissioner Ross asked how venues would limit multiple drinks per person across adjacent bars; Sanderson said that uncertainty is one reason the plan is a pilot and that monitoring and follow-up would guide future changes.
Commissioner Hill, who sponsored the resolution, described Belltown as a walkable destination where families already use common turf and walking areas, and said the developer has followed through on infrastructure commitments. Several commissioners said they supported trialing the pilot with a clear reporting requirement: Sanderson and Hill told the body the resolution would require a report to the mayor or commission after six months and allow the county to end the pilot early if public-safety problems arise.
The presenter and supporters said the businesses favor the pilot because it can increase turnover and activity; skeptics emphasized DUI risk for patrons who drive away after consuming. Sanderson said roughly 340 apartments and 210 townhomes are planned for the area and that many residents already walk to nearby restaurants.
Next steps: commissioners indicated they will take the PBZ pilot to a vote at the Monday meeting. Several asked staff to build enforcement language (including wristbands/stamps and sheriff's-office auditing) into the resolution and to include contact information for follow-up prior to final approval.
