Cobb to change alcohol fines, rules for intoxication, fireworks

Among the many changes under consideration by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners is a restriction on consumer fireworks from 9 p.m. to 10 a.m. Courtesy of Cobb County

Among the many changes under consideration by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners is a restriction on consumer fireworks from 9 p.m. to 10 a.m. Courtesy of Cobb County

If approved by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners later this month, many changes to the Cobb County Code would affect alcohol fines, public intoxication, conduct at athletic/special events, fireworks, lighting direction, medical burn ban restrictions, mowing and zoning notices.

The final public hearing and expected vote will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 in the Board of Commissioners meeting room, second floor, 100 Cherokee St., Marietta, affecting about 30 pages of the county code.

Alcoholic beverage fine increases: Instead of one fee, progressive fines would be added if additional alcoholic beverage violations are made within 12 months of each offense - in place of going to the county's Alcohol License Review Board:

  • $1,500 for the first offense.
  • $3,000 for the second offense.
  • $6,000 for the third offense.
  • $12,000 for the fourth offense.
  • $24,000 for the fifth offense.
  • an automatic 14-day suspension if six or more offenses with appeals to the Alcohol License Review Board.

Public intoxication: It would be unlawful to be in any public place or place of business when in a state of intoxication.

Disorderly conduct at athletic/special events: Cobb law enforcement also would be able to enforce custodial arrest at athletic and special events for disorderly conduct and keeping unauthorized personnel from entering restricted event areas.

Fireworks: Consumer fireworks would be banned between 9 p.m. and 10 a.m.

Lighting direction: Stray lighting onto nearby properties would be eliminated or reduced. Lighting plans would need to be approved by the zoning division staff.

Medical burn ban restrictions: No burning in a chimenea, fire bowl or an outdoor fireplace or fire department practice burns would be allowed within a medical burn ban radius of 1,000 feet.

Mowing: Private property owners would be responsible for mowing weeds in utility easements on their property.

Zoning notices: Public notices and advertisements of zoning hearings would be postmarked 30 days before the Planning Commission hearing date instead of 15 days.