Residents renting the Alpharetta Arts Center for weddings, receptions and private events could soon serve wine and beer there after the City Council took its first step toward allowing alcohol at the downtown venue.
Council members gave first-reading approval Monday, July 13, to an ordinance amendment that would create a permit system for alcohol service at the Arts Center and other city-owned facilities, including event spaces, community centers and parks.
The city said the change would support programming at the 10,000-square-foot Arts Center, located at 238 Canton St. in downtown Alpharetta, according to Appen Media's reporting on the proposal. The facility hosts exhibits, classes and live music performances in its black-box theater, and its indoor-to-outdoor event areas are popular for private rentals.
The building was originally the Alpharetta Public Library, designed in 1986 by Atlanta architect Anthony Ames, before being repurposed into the arts facility it is now. It also houses visual arts and clay studios, a digital media studio and two rotating art galleries.
How the permit system would work
Under the proposed ordinance, anyone seeking to serve alcohol at a city-owned venue would need to obtain a permit and comply with licensing, service, safety and oversight requirements, according to Appen Media. The city has not yet released the full text of the permit application or a fee schedule.
The ordinance covers not just the Arts Center but other municipal properties citywide. Specific details about which parks or community centers might apply for permits have not been made public.
What comes next
Because the July 13 vote was a first reading, the ordinance still requires a second reading and final vote before it takes effect. The city has not announced the date for that second reading.
Residents who want to weigh in can complete a Speakers Card online or in person at City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, and submit it to the City Clerk before the next council meeting begins. The full July 13 session is available on the city's YouTube channel for anyone who missed it.
Mayor Jim Gilvin presides over the seven-member council, which includes Mayor Pro Tem Dan Merkel and Council Members Katie Reeves, T. Kirk Driskell, Douglas J. DeRito, John Hipes and Fergal M. Brady.
Upcoming at the Arts Center
- "Voces del Corazón – Art from the Soul" — Tuesday, Aug. 19, through Saturday, Oct. 17
- "Paint the Town 2026" competition and exhibition — Tuesday, Oct. 20, through Saturday, Nov. 14
- Artists' Holiday Market — Friday, Nov. 20, and Saturday, Nov. 21
