Georgia city could let people carry alcohol around downtown

STATESBORO, Ga. (AP) - A southeast Georgia city is considering allowing people to carry alcoholic beverages around its downtown.

The Statesboro Herald reports the possible changes were discussed in a city council work session last month. Among other changes that could be coming to Statesboro would be to let public officials hold licenses to sell alcohol. The city currently bans officials from holding licenses.

City Attorney Cain Smith noted that Georgia’s only statewide open container law is the one that prohibits open alcoholic beverage containers inside vehicles, and that other cities like Savannah have made similar moves.

“That’s why you’re allowed to walk along River Street with a beer in a plastic cup, because that’s governed by Savannah law and they’ve made the decision to do exemptions,” Smith told the council

Mayor Jonathan McCollar used the example of someone carrying an open drink from a restaurant to a sports bar and said he wants to create a blanket exemption for a yet-to-be-designated “city center.” He said he aims to create a “vibrant” downtown and attract new businesses.

Right now, the council can grant specific exceptions and also has a little-used provision allowing exceptions for events sanctioned by the downtown development authority.

Now, someone carrying a drink while walking from one business to another could be fined around $350.