TCC adopts Entertainment District Ordinance

The Toccoa City Commission met Monday for its regular scheduled meeting; during which, the Commission discussed the consideration of an Entertainment District Ordinance.

The topic wasn’t new, as the Commission previously discussed a similar ordinance in March 2021.

Community Development Director Connie Tabor explained that the Downtown Development Authority recently voted to recommend the approval of an Entertainment District Ordinance to the Toccoa City Commission.

Tabor says the Entertainment District is an overlay which allows for downtown patrons to consume alcoholic beverages on city sidewalks and in retail businesses as long as the beverages are obtained from a licensed alcoholic beverage vendor within the bounds of the Entertainment District.

She says the Entertainment District Ordinance will include businesses such as brewpubs, breweries or microbreweries, taprooms, and tasting rooms.

The Entertainment District allows for any business with an alcoholic beverages license to issue specialty cups that allow for consumption off-premises within the boundaries of the Entertainment District. Businesses may choose to not allow individuals onto their premises with a specialty cup containing alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, the ordinance and privileges allowed pursuant to the new ordinance will not be applicable during such special events as the Harvest Festival, ChristmasFest, and Christmas Parade.

Commissioner Terry Carter says since they have a current business wanting to have a tap room, it’s appropriate to adopt the Entertainment District Ordinance.

“Opportunities for expanded restaurant and retail locations are on the horizon. There are current prospects being targeted for development that make this the right time to pass this ordinance,” he said. “We look forward to working with our existing downtown business and property owners to implement the Entertainment District in a safe and effective manner that both preserves the integrity of Historic Downtown Toccoa and promotes development efforts,” Carter added.

Carter made a motion adopting the ordinance and waiving the second reading, Commissioner Evan Hellenga seconded the motion.

The motion was approved unanimously.