TCC considering ordinance to designate downtown as Entertainment District

The Toccoa City Commission is considering an Ordinance that would allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages on city sidewalks in the downtown area.

During its meeting on Monday, City Attorney John Dickerson opened the public hearing for the first reading of the proposed ordinance.

The Downtown Development Authority is recommending the City Commission approve an Entertainment District Ordinance.

The entertainment district would be bounded by Broad Street to Hill Street and Tugalo Street to Foreacre Street.

According to Van Loskoski with Toccoa-Stephens County Tomorrow, the ordinance would require the alcoholic beverages being consumed be purchased from a licensed vendor in the Entertainment District.

The beverages must be displayed in a clear, plastic 16-ounce cup to which a specialty sticker is attached, and which notes the date of use written by the providing business.

Vice Mayor Jeanette Jamieson expressed concerns for the ordinance.

Commissioner Terry Carter asked how easy it would be to resend the ordinance if the city found that ordinance created issues with the public.

Dickerson says it would be just as easy to reverse the ordinance as it is to pass it.

Carter made a motion approving the first reading of the ordinance with Commissioner David Austin seconding the motion.

Jamieson voted against the motion.

The motion passed 4-1.