After close to four months, according to Councilman David Westmoreland, the Ellijay City Council has passed the first reader for changes and additions to the Alcohol Ordinance and a Sidewalk Cafe Ordinance.

The Council’s meeting saw a 4-1 vote with opposition to the first reader from Councilwoman Ruth Caudell who said she felt she was not informed enough on the changes to move forward. With the First Reader passed, there can still be minor changes made to the ordinances before next months Second Reader and Adoption. It is not too late to speak on this topic, however. You can still attend the meeting and join in with the Citizen’s Input Section of the Meeting.

The Sidewalk Cafe Ordinance will enforce certain limitations to cafe’s with sidewalk seating so as not to impede the flow of foot traffic that would be passing by. The Alcohol Ordinance changes will encompass distances to establishments, brew pubs for sale on premises, and growers ( bottle made of glass or other material customary to the industry provided that the bottle is capable of being sealed with a cap and then sealed with a plastic collar for the purpose of complying with open container laws).

You can also watch the full meeting here.