Visitors to Downtown Rome will now be allowed to carry alcoholic drinks in designated public areas seven days a week following a divided vote by the Rome City Commission.
Commissioners voted 5-3 to amend the city’s public alcohol consumption ordinance. The previous rules generally allowed public consumption from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The approved change expands those days to the entire week.
The ordinance also adds new areas to the downtown alcohol district. The expanded boundaries include portions of West First and West Second streets near the Hampton Inn and Days Inn.
A boundary adjustment also adds the new Floyd County amphitheatre near the library.
Commissioners Elaina Beeman, Wayne Robinson and Craig McDaniel voted against the changes.
Beeman raised concerns about children and families being exposed to alcohol consumption in public areas, particularly near the library.
“We’re exposing children to alcoholic consumption and families while they’re participating in utilizing the library,” Beeman said.
Commissioner Harry Brock, who represents the commission on the Rome Downtown Development Authority, said the changes were requested in part to make Downtown Rome more competitive with other communities.
Brock said visitors attending tournaments and other events may be accustomed to similar alcohol rules in other cities. He said the goal is to offer visitors some of the same experiences available elsewhere.
The amendment passed despite opposition from the three commissioners
