After a rough start to the discussion last month, Ringgold council members once again broached the controversial subject of establishing a designated open container district downtown during their April 8 meeting.
If established, the "entertainment district" would allow customers to carry alcohol they purchased at local restaurants with them outside the establishment and throughout the downtown area as they shop or attend events.
The district was proposed for discussion by Councilman Kelly Bomar, who believes the measure could help bring life to local businesses.
Though no vote was expected to be made on the issue when Bomar first made the suggestion, the council members present motioned for a vote and shot the proposal down following overwhelming opposition from residents, who argued the proposed district would destroy the city's family-friendly atmosphere, lead to illegal activity and cause a decay of Ringgold's moral values.
Despite the 'no' vote, Bomar placed the ordinance on last week's agenda for a formal first reading, saying he "felt it was the only way to force a discussion," as the idea was halted "prematurely" without proper consideration.
"Any issue brought before this body ought to be allowed its time of discussion," Bomar said. "The good people that are against this idea had a chance to speak, and they certainly have that right but so do those who are in favor of such an idea. There are citizens and council members that are undecided and wish to learn more before they make a decision [who] also deserve that time as well."
Bomar also criticized the opposition's focus on the moral questionability of alcohol rather than the logistical viability of establishing an entertainment district.
"Those same people who predicted the rise of Sodom and Gomorrah and threatened to boycott any event that serves alcohol are the same ones that dine in establishments that serve alcohol - even on the Sabbath, if you can believe it - pump gas at gas stations that serve beer and wine, shop at grocery stores that offer beer and wine, and attend sporting events or concerts that serve alcohol," Bomar said. "At some point, to me, the excuses become hypocrisy, not religious conviction, and it becomes about preference, not moral indignation."
Councilman Randall Franks challenged the suggestion that the proposal was shot down without any consideration during last month's meeting, noting that the matter had been brought to the council's attention months prior.
"It's not new to the body," Franks said. "We have reviewed the other cities that have done this and the ordinances that they have. It was not just a quick decision to stop the discussion."
He added that there is no way to predict whether creating the district would allow the city to accrue additional businesses downtown.
"Maybe it will, maybe it won't," said Franks. " Just because another city gets a new toy doesn't mean it's going to work in your town."
The open container district has been compared to those in larger cities such as New Orleans and Las Vegas, but Mayor Nick Millwood said he hopes to see smaller cities with entertainment districts, such as Dalton and Canton, given more weight when considering what the option would look like locally.
In regards to concerns about downtown's family-friendly atmosphere, Millwood said the city could easily cater to more than one demographic, maintaining its family-friendly events and programming while also creating new opportunities for those who enjoy adult beverages during recreation.
"I believe in our citizens and their ability to responsibly take part in events, as well as our city police force in helping to make sure that a few bad apples don't ruin it for everyone," he said.
Councilwoman Sara Clark said she has spoken to several residents who are neutral on the issue.
She requested that the board table the matter, citing unanswered questions regarding matters like the size and exact location of the district, among others.
"In my opinion, we're just not there yet. We need to decide, is this going to be at all [events]? Is this going to be at special events?" she said. " There are so many questions and opinions that are still out there; that's my reason for asking that this be tabled."
Clark suggested creating a committee to gather more information and consider the viability of an entertainment district, similar to the committee created by the city to look into the city's occupation tax.
Council members stressed that tabling the matter does not mean the board has made a decision for or against the proposal.
Email Myron Madden at mmadden@timesfreepress.com.