Metro Atlanta

Gwinnett to allow outdoor alcohol at arena, Mall of Georgia

Jimmy Buffett fans prepare for a concert at Chastain Amphitheatre in 2014. Gwinnett County commissioners today are expected to approve outdoor alcohol consumption at Infinite Energy Center and the Mall of Georgia. Robb D. Cohen/RobbsPhotos.com
Jimmy Buffett fans prepare for a concert at Chastain Amphitheatre in 2014. Gwinnett County commissioners today are expected to approve outdoor alcohol consumption at Infinite Energy Center and the Mall of Georgia. Robb D. Cohen/RobbsPhotos.com
Aug 16, 2016

Gwinnett County Parrotheads, relax. You’ll soon be able to sip a beer during your pre-Jimmy Buffett concert tailgating without fear of being hassled by the police.

The Gwinnett Board of Commissioners Tuesday is expected to approve plans to allow outdoor alcohol consumption at Infinite Energy Center and the Mall of Georgia. The new ordinance would allow tailgaters at the arena and customers at the mall to carry and drink alcohol outside.

County Commissioner Jace Brooks said the move will help Gwinnett create a new entertainment district at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth. He said it will also allow mall customers to enjoy alcohol at outdoor concerts and movies.

Brooks said it’s possible outdoor alcohol could be allowed elsewhere in the future.

“We’ll try it here first and see if it makes sense to expand it to other venues,” he said.

About the Author

David Wickert writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Before moving to Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.

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