Kennesaw council set to vote today on open alcohol districts

Open alcohol containers may be allowed in two enter- tainment districts, including the downtown business district, by the Kennesaw City Council with an expected vote today.

The second of two public hearings will be held at 6:30 p.m. today in City Council chambers, Kennesaw City Hall, 2529 J.O. Stephenson Ave.

In a Dec. 20 letter to Ken- nesaw business and prop- erty owners, city zoning administrator Darryl Sim- mons wrote, “establishments that are licensed to serve alcohol by the drink could allow patrons to carry one such beverage in a paper or plas- tic cup outside of the establishment on pedestrian walk- ways within the Entertain- ment District.”

The cup size can be no larger than 16 fluid ounces.

On a voluntary basis, alco- holic drinks may be removed from these establishments from 5 p.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 11 a.m. to midnight on weekends.

It will be unlawful for any person to consume any alco- holic beverages while in the confines of a motor vehicle when the vehicle is parked on any city street, alley way or parking lot within the city.

Any individual who leaves the entertainment district with an alcoholic beverage in an open container will be in violation of the Kennesaw Code of Ordinances.

In cases of special events, alcoholic beverages may be consumed in open containers on parcels used as a church, day care center or school if they are in entertainment districts since the distance requirements will not apply.

Also during special events, coolers containing alcoholic beverages in cans or bottles for personal consumption may be brought into permitted areas within the enter- tainment districts.