Dresden corridor designated an ‘entertainment district’

Open container area is the first in Brookhaven

Brookhaven, GA, May 21, 2024 – In an effort to promote economic development and increased social and pedestrian traffic along Dresden Drive, the Brookhaven City Council has established a Dresden corridor entertainment district from Peachtree Road to Camille Drive, known as the Dresden District.

The Dresden District is a specific area in which one can purchase an alcoholic beverage from a participating restaurant or bar and walk within the open spaces in that area. The Dresden District is effective at the conclusion of a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 24, at 5 p.m. in the 1400 Block of Dresden Drive in Brookhaven.

Within the Dresden District, consumers are generally exempt from the Open Container Law during the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., if 1) the drink has been purchased from a participating business within the Dresden District, 2) the drink is contained and consumed in an official Dresden District cup, and 3) the consumer is 21 years of age or older and is otherwise legal to consume alcohol.

“The goal of the district is to add to the appeal of the Dresden corridor as a neighborhood destination,” said District 2 Councilwoman Jennifer Owens. “Encouraging our residents to enjoy all the amenities this vibrant area has to offer strengthens our community as a whole.”

Under the new ordinance:

• Alcoholic beverages available for removal from the premises must be in a clear Dresden Alcohol Cup with the business logo as well as the above sticker.
• Distilled spirits can be contained in a Dresden Alcohol Cup no greater than 12 fluid ounces.
• Malt beverages or wine can be contained in a Dresden Alcohol Cup no greater than 16 fluid ounces.
• Any licensed establishment that allows patrons to leave the establishment with an alcoholic beverage shall have an 11- by 17- inch sign posted at the front door within public view so that a patron entering or exiting the establishment can read the statement: “Patrons leaving this establishment with an alcoholic beverage are required by law to dispose of the beverage before 10:00 p.m. (unless in an approved container) and before leaving the Dresden District. Any person who possesses an open alcoholic beverage outside the District, or after 10:00 p.m. within the District, or in an unauthorized container, is in violation of the City Code and may be subject to a citation and/or fine.”

Businesses can contact Brookhaven Finance Director Oscar Medina to obtain “Dresden District” stickers at Oscar.Medina@BrookhavenGA.gov or 404-637-0479. See full ordinance at www.BrookhavenGA.gov/Finance/page/Dresden-District.

###