The Gainesville downtown dining district, an area within the city limits that allows customers to carry alcohol in an open container outside of a restaurant, could expand pending a vote from the Gainesville City Council.
The council briefly discussed the expansion during its work session Thursday morning. Assistant City Manager Angela Sheppard explained if approved, a resolution would expand the boundaries to include two new restaurants in front of the Solis development, Standard Service restaurant, Poultry Park, and 2 Dog restaurant.
Sheppard said requests have been made recently to expand the current boundaries.
“[We’re] Excited that those restaurants are seeing some success and would like to come into the dining district,” said Sheppard.
“I think those are needed,” Councilman Danny Dunagan agreed.
The current district boundaries are set at the the intersections of EE Butler, Jesse Jewell Parkway, West Academy Street, and Academy Street.
The Gainesville downtown dining district was created in 2017 by a resolution approved by the city council.
The city’s Code of Ordinances defines the downtown dining district as, “a specifically authorized and pedestrian oriented area of the city as established by resolution of mayor and council that allows those establishments with a valid alcohol license within such area to dispense and/or serve an alcoholic beverage for carry out purposes, provided all other laws, rules and ordinances are followed.”
The council is likely to approve the resolution; it was placed on the consent agenda for the voting session Tuesday night.
