Fayetteville eyes outdoor drinking in new entertainment districts

Downtown Fayetteville and Pinewood Forest could become designated areas for consuming alcohol outdoors if the City Council approves the measure on March 21. The first reading of an amendment to the alcohol ordinance was held at the March 7 meeting.

There was no objection from the public on the open container agenda item at the March 7 meeting.

City staff in a Feb. 27 letter asked for a policy direction from mayor and council in order to create an Entertainment District in a portion of the Downtown Main Street District, and at the mixed-use development Pinewood Forest located along Veterans Parkway on the city’s on the west side.

“Entertainment districts are created using the city zoning map to identify designated areas of the city which allow the public to possess and consume alcoholic beverages outdoors. The alcoholic beverages must be purchased from a licensed establishment located within the designated entertainment district, and the alcoholic beverage must be poured into a city approved-container (usually a marked plastic cup) provided by the licensed establishment,” staff said.

Noting that the council would need to establish the entertainment district boundaries, staff recommended a north/south boundary from Lafayette Avenue and North Glynn Street to Fisher Avenue and South Glynn Street, and an east/west boundary from Lee Street and Lanier Avenue East to Grady Avenue be reviewed for the Main Street area.

Based on a request from Pinewood Forest, staff also recommended the entire 237-acre Pinewood Forest mixed-use development be included in the Pinewood Forest Entertainment District.

Commenting after questions from Councilwoman Kathaleen Brewer, staff will also explore the idea of having wrist bands used, in addition to or as a substitute for, those drinking in the outside areas.

The council is expected to conduct a second reading and potential decision at the March 21 meeting.