Atlanta is abuzz preparing for the FIFA World Cup, hosted at Mercedes-Benz (which will be called Atlanta Stadium for the duration of the Cup). From ATL’s downtown skyscrapers getting million dollar facelifts to upgrades to our public transit system, the whole city is getting ready for company! And now, there’s a new upgrade on the docket: City Councilman Jason Dozier is proposing making the heart of Atlanta into an open container district. Keep scrolling to learn more.
What exactly is Dozier proposing?
Dozier’s proposal would allow people, according to CBS News, “to drink alcohol on designated downtown streets — a move supporters hope will increase foot traffic and bring new energy to the area.”
In other words, you could grab dinner and a drink at a local restaurant, and then carry your drink out onto the street. This proposal aims to help revitalize Downtown Atlanta, bringing more tourists and ATLiens alike to the area to enjoy city attractions, dining options, and local bars.
The open container zone would also only include certain streets, aiming to keep Downtown safe as well. Currently, there seems to be many Atlantans on both sides of the argument: should we or shouldn’t we.
News USA reports,
The proposed district would encompass approximately a 10-block area in South Downtown, strategically selected for its proximity to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and its role as a major transportation hub. Advocates point to the success of similar initiatives in other cities, such as New Orleans and Austin, as models for Atlanta to emulate. If approved, the new district could substantially alter the dynamic of South Downtown, transforming it into a more lively and pedestrian-pleasant destination.
Opposition worries that an open container policy might make Downtown Atlanta more dangerous without stimulating the economy as much as hoped.
Dozier says, in an AJC report,
I believe South Downtown is where a lot of our city’s activity is going to be, not just with World Cup, but also in the years beyond. It’s a way to plant a flag that downtown is a destination.
So stay tuned, Atlanta! Big changes might be on the way.