Chattanooga Pulse

Written by Pulse Staff
Tuesday, 30 September 2008 21:58

Here is one of the more interesting items set to be discussed at the October 7 meeting of the Chattanooga City Council.

6. Ordinances – First Reading:
a) An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 5, Section 5-75(b), regarding exceptions to the distance restrictions for the sale of beer or other beverages of like alcoholic content to the area of Warner Park occupied by the Chattanooga Zoo and to remove Eastgate Plaza from the exceptions listed in Section 5-75(b).
This is one of the first-reading ordinances that jumps out during the first look at the upcoming council agendas, mainly because it is often difficult even for experienced political watchers to figure out exactly what it being requested in an ordinance.

First of all, Section 5-75 of the City Code deals with the conditions under which alcohol permits can be refused, with (b) covering the minimum distances away from school, churches and adult-oriented businesses the applicant must be to get a permit.

At first glance, it appears that the council wants to either expand the alcohol-free zone around the Chattanooga Zoo, or change it to allow alcohol to be consumed at the zoo for special functions. Since the two alternatives are polar opposites, we went directly to the City Attorney’s office and asked them what the actual intent of the ordinance was.

They told us it concerned a way for the zoo to be able to host events and fundraisers, while serving an adult beverage or two. Considering how much the zoo has already improved, it might help fundraising even more if big donors could have a glass of wine or a cold beer. It certainly couldn’t hurt, as long as Hank stays sober.

The Chattanooga City Council meets each Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the City Council Building at 1000 Lindsay St. For more information on agendas, visit Chattanooga.gov//City_Council/110_Agenda.asp.