Possible Changes to Dothan's Brown Bag Ordinance
By: Jamiese Price
Updated: January 15, 2013
Dothan Commissioners are considering amending the city's Brown Bag Ordinance. The ordinance was an effort to curb violence around downtown clubs and bars. It bans all establishments from allowing patrons to bring in their own alcohol.
The possible amendment comes in response to a request from the National Peanut Festival Board. This has city leaders considering an exemption. Board members asked commissioners if Toadlick's Music Festival could be a BYOB (Bring Your Own Beer) event. This would allow festival goers to bring in their own alcoholic beverages in small collapsible coolers for a fee.
Mayor Mike Schmitz said the consideration isn't so much about Toadlick as it is the National Peanut Festival Board.
"This is not about Toadlick and it's not about their event. It's strictly about the peanut festival board asking us to allow them to have events like this. They have their own facility, they have their own events and I think their board is a responsible board. I think we should consider allowing them to make their own decisions on that," explained Schmitz.
Tuesday commissioners will vote on whether or not to amend the ordinance. If it passes the Peanut Festival Board will have the privilege of deciding what events held at the fairgrounds can be BYOB.
"I think supporting the peanut festival and the events they put on are important to the Wiregrass so it's worth considering and worth us looking at," continued Schmitz.
Under the current Brown Bag Ordinance, the only exemption is for social events like weddings.
