In Albany, you can now sip alcohol and stroll through downtown

ALBANY, Ga. – The concept of an entertainment district is evolving in the city of Albany. On Tuesday, the Board of Commissioners approved amending an established alcohol ordinance.

The amended ordinance establishes the boundaries of a Downtown Entertainment District (DED) where people will be allowed to purchase alcohol from a participating vendor for outdoor consumption.

Boundaries of Albany’s Downtown Entertainment District

This DED includes Pine Avenue, Front Street and Broad avenue just to name a few streets within it’s boundaries. 

Restaurant owner of The Flint says taking advantage of the amended ordinance is just good business.

Glenn Singfield Sr. – Owner of The Flint

He says, “I think its a very progressive move on the part of the City Commission to give us that tool in our belt. Other communities have it and it works well. For business it’s a plus.”

There are a number of requirements an establishment must follow to be authorized to participate.

Patrons will be limited to one beer or mixed drink to carry outside; they will be served in specially marked cups that cannot exceed 16 oz., and only alcohol from an approved vendor can be enjoyed while strolling about.

Commissioner Howard voted against the ordinance in Tuesday’s meeting because he isn’t sure people will follow this rule.

Commissioner Jon Howard

He says, “You know and I know if a person parks downtown they probably will have something in the car to mix it [in the cup] and keep going.”

To deter unlawful consumption, establishments will be required to install and maintain a security-camera system.

Singfield says having the surveillance is necessary. “We’re going to have to provide that surveillance because everyone is not law-abiding. Unfortunately it’s just the times that we live in.”

Commissioner Jon Howard also says that he has concerns about the amount of litter that might come from this change.

He says, “When individuals get intoxicated and feeling good, you can rest assured that you’re going to see a large number of bottles of alcohol, trash and stuff on the street because individuals are not in their right mind.”

Singfield says he’s ready for all the possibilities the ordinance might bring.

“We’re very excited about the possibilities of bringing more people into the door.”