Starkville bar patrons may have the ability to carry alcoholic drinks out in publicly designated districts sometime this summer.
Legislators on Thursday removed a procedural block of House Bill 1223 — also known as “the go-cup” legislation — after lawmakers approved its conference report Wednesday.
The bill, which now heads to Gov. Phil Bryant for approval, allows Starkville, Gulf Coast communities and 11 other municipalities to establish leisure and recreation districts in which patrons of bars, restaurants and other alcohol-serving establishments may take their drinks outside of the business provided they stay within the boundaries of the district.
If signed, it would go into effect July 1.
Columbus and West Point were not included in the bill.
The establishment of the leisure and recreation districts would make sense for areas that host festivals — the Cotton District, in particular — and others looking to expand tourism offerings, Greater Starkville Development Partnership Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Gregory said.
“This can add another layer of opportunity for our downtown area, particularly,” she said. “Events like wine tastings, art walks and other cultural events and programs can now come out on the streets and won’t be limited to inside of retailers’ shops.
“It brings everything out to the streets, and that’s what people want in these areas — the outdoor living component,” Gregory added. “We’re grateful to the Legislature for approving this bill, and we don’t look at this simply as a party opportunity or a free-for-all with drinking.”
Once the bill is signed into law, city leaders must create the designated districts. While open container restrictions would be lifted, police will still have the ability to enforce public drunk, disorderly conduct and other rules.
Ward 4 Alderman Jason Walker said the Cotton District, which he represents, should be the primary focus of a proposed district.
“If other aldermen are open to exploring midtown and downtown, I’d certainly be open to those opportunities,” he said. “Moving forward, we clearly have to explore these options in a methodical approach that involves Starkville Police Department and Chief Frank Nichols.”
Continued efforts to grow Starkville as a tourist destination will help fulfill the Partnership’s mission and enhance residents’ quality of life, Mayor Parker Wiseman said.
Restaurant owners in the areas could see increased foot traffic and sales, which would then feed the city’s 2 percent food and beverage tax receipts.
Eat Local Starkville partner Brian Kelley said a seamless leisure and recreational district from the university to City Hall would draw more pedestrian traffic and ensure downtown’s long-term vision.
Kelley, along with Chef Ty Thames, operates two of Starkville’s signature restaurants: Restaurant Tyler, located downtown, and Bin 612, which is situated in the heart of the Cotton District. The management group will soon take control of City Bagel Cafe, located at the midpoint between the two areas.
“From a financial perspective, HB 1223 should certainly increase business revenues and help us further develop downtown Starkville and the Cotton District as tourism draws for our many visitors during university and local events,” Kelley said. “If you look at areas across Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana, these entertainment districts have been very successful.”
The House voted 84-32 to adopt the final bill, while the Senate approved it 38-12. Out of Oktibbeha County’s lawmakers, only Sen. Gary Jackson, R-French Camp, opposed the matter.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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