City of Decatur OKs Temporary Open Container Booze Policy

Source: Eater Atlanta

In an effort to support its local restaurant community, city of Decatur on Monday agreed to instituting a temporary open container policy beginning October 30, Decaturish reports.

The city commission approved a temporary ordinance allowing restaurants to sell booze for off-premise consumption on Fridays, from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Saturdays, from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., in designated areas throughout Decatur.

The temporary open container policy goes into effect on Friday, October 30, and runs through Sunday, January 3, 2021 at 1 a.m. for Decatur’s downtown and square, Old Depot, West Ponce, East College, and Oakhurst business districts. All participating restaurants will be provided approved wristbands to distribute to customers and must serve alcoholic beverages in plastic cups with the logo “Keep it in Decatur.” Restaurants purchase wristbands and plastic to-go cups from the city.

Patrons and restaurants caught violating the ordinance could face a $150 fine. The city plans to post signs indicating the areas and boundaries designated as open container districts in Decatur.

City of Decatur

Several well-regarded restaurants and bars known for cocktails and beer will likely benefit from this temporary policy, including Leon’s Full Service, Kimball House, The SOS Tiki Bar, and The Deer and the Dove.

Over the summer, beer bar Brick Store Pub created a walk-up window on the side of its building. People can order drinks at the window while waiting for a table or order food and drinks for takeout there without the need to enter the building. Owner Michael Gallagher told Eater in August he hoped to make the to-go window a permanent addition to the pub.

Decatur also extended its mask mandate on Monday, which requires people to wear face coverings in public spaces and extends to private businesses within the city.

Read the article at Eater Atlanta here.