Columbus, Georgia

As requested, I am spearheading the task of revising the Outdoor Cafe Code

18-71. I am in the process of creating an advisory committee which will

hopefully consist of representatives from the following:



Police Department

Fire Department

Engineering

City Attorney

Uptown Columbus, Inc.

BID

Two Businesses from the CRD

Ga. State Alcohol & Tobacco Division

The Facade Board has expressed interest, but I feel we can just keep them

updated. However, if you feel a representative of this board should be

included, I will do so. The Board has asked me to be at their meeting

09/19/2005 to address Outdoor Cafes.



The goal is to have this completed and council's approval so that it will

coincide with the City's Business and Alcohol License 2006 (calendar year)

renewal season.



In the interim, I have spoken with Donna Newman and Ron Hamlett on the issuing

of Outdoor Cafe Permits for the remainder of this year. This is at the request

of Chief Boren and Captain Hawk. However, these permits will be issued with the

understanding that the specifics of the present ordinance will not be enforced

by the CPD. The CPD will be enforcing all state and local codes regarding

alcohol (i.e. open containers; under age; carrying alcoholic beverages from one

establishment to another, etc.).



I met with Lisa Collins of Uptown Columbus, Inc. yesterday and will be talking

with Burnie Quick of BID today about the approach and processing of the Outdoor

Cafe Permits for the remainder of the year.

Presently, I feel the following will be the best approach for all interested

parties:



Uptown Columbus and BID will schedule a date and time for all interested CRD

businesses to meet to complete the necessary applications. I feel it will be to

everyone's advantage to do this on a scheduled day, eliminating businesses from

having to go to the annex on a one-by-one basis (One-Stop Shopping).

Donna Newman and Ron Hamlett have agreed to accept pictures of the individual

businesses' outdoor cafe set-ups ... only for this partial 2005 year's

application. Next year, all requirements of the revised ordinance will have to

be met. These pictures will be back-up documentation to this year's

application. Site inspections will be made to assure that obstructions to

pedestrian passage do not exist.

The Revenue Division will provide at this "One-Stop Meeting" the 2005

application and a permit upon the payment of $50. This fee is based upon an

effective date of 09/01/2005 and is the prorated amount for the four remaining

months of this year.

There will also be presented at this meeting what the CPD will be enforcing and

not enforcing. The intent is to also have a representative from the State on

hand to answer any state code enforcement questions regarding alcoholic

beverages and outdoor cafes.



All comments regarding the above approach will be appreciated. If there are not

any objections, I will proceed as planned.



Craig