The change, which was endorsed by the Cedartown Downtown Development Authority, will alter the previous 50-50 ratio to allow a business to receive 60 percent of its revenue from alcohol sales, and 40 percent from food. Tommny Engram, director of redevelopment for the DDA, said the change is part of a plan to try an attract nightspots and “destination” restaurants that will bring people to Cedartown.
“Harvest Moon and 333 on Broad are good examples of what you can do,” Engram explained. “They have a downtown restaurant that can serve beer and wine, and an upstairs facility that can be rented for private functions.”
One problem with the previous ordinance, however, is that while the cost of alcohol continues to increase, food prices have in some cases decreased as restaurants combat recessionary spending with smaller portions and budget menus. Engram described a common purchase such as “a couple of $3 entrees and a $40 bottle of wine.”
The ordinance change will remove an artificial pricing cap that should make Cedartown more competitive than many other communities, and possibly help attract new businesses. Engram said the ordinance goes hand-in-hand with recently enacted enterprise zones that provide attractive tax incentives to businesses that locate into the downtown area.
“Government cannot do business,” Engram said. “But government can create a climate that is favorable to business.
“We’re trying to give our community a competitive edge.”
The ordinance was brought up before the city commission for a public hearing at 7 p.m. Monday. Engram explained the proposal to the commission, speaking in favor of the ordinance. No one took the podium to oppose the ordinance.
After the public hearing was closed, the commission moved into its regular business for the monthly meeting. The ordinance was an agenda item under “new business” and was quickly approved by the commission, 4-0 in favor.
“We need to do everything we can to support what the downtown area is doing,” Commissioner Dale Tuck said.
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