By Josh Bergeron

josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

CHINA GROVE — After being delayed a second time, Town Council members in December will consider an ordinance to allow the consumption and possession of alcohol on public property.

During a meeting on Tuesday, China Grove Town Council members chose to delay a vote after considering whether the ordinance’s intent had been properly communicated to members of the public. The ordinance would allow businesses to sell alcohol in limited areas during special events sponsored by the town, at approved times in the community center on South Myrtle Avenue and in defined areas on public property between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 2 a.m., according to the latest version of the proposed measure. A number of conditions would apply to the allowable scenarios.

Town Manager Ken Deal says China Grove would copy similar ordinances in nearby cities by approving the ordinance.

During Wednesday’s meeting, a majority of Town Council members said they opposed the idea. Two local residents spoke during a public comment period about the measure.

Donnie Herring, who ran for Town Council in 2015, spoke in opposition. Dentist Randy Lassiter, a Rowan Museum supporter and volunteer, spoke specifically in support of allowing alcohol consumption at the China Grove Roller Mill. Rowan Museum recently took ownership of the roller mill. Lassiter said Rowan Museum plans to allow the roller mill to be rented for events.

Other opposition to the ordinance has been expressed to Town Council members and Deal through a petition and informal conversations outside of meetings, council members and Deal said.

Before discussion began on Wednesday, Deal described an image of what wouldn’t be occurring in China Grove as a result of the ordinance.

“To put it as bluntly as possible, it’s not going to be the wild west, with people carrying beer up and down the street,” Deal said.

Visitors to downtown China Grove will not be allowed to carry open containers of alcohol outside of designated areas, he said.

Councilman who oppose the ordinance didn’t express concerns about whether open containers would be allowed. Instead, Councilman Brandon Linn specifically expressed concern that vendors would sell alcohol in roped off areas during the town’s Farmers Day event. He said Farmers Day is supposed to be a family oriented event.

Mayor Pro Tem Steve Stroud expressed identical concerns. Stroud said he didn’t like the idea of alcohol consumption in a roped-off area during events such as Farmers Day. When prompted by another councilman, Stroud said he was OK with a restaurants selling alcohol in an area adjacent to the business.

“I don’t have a problem with having a wedding at the community center and them having champagne or wine or whatever,” Stroud said. “That’s in a building. It’s not in the street.”

Councilman Charles Seaford formed a middle ground between those opposing and supporting the ordinance. Seaford said he couldn’t vote for the measure because he’s heard more negative feedback than positive feedback. However, Seaford said the town should make an effort to educate members of the public in order to sway opinions.

Councilman Rodney Phillips was the first councilman to express support for the alcohol ordinance.

“I encourage people to come and read the ordinance because I think people just saw what they read in the paper,” Phillips said. “I think it’s the right thing to do. There’s a private business doing it right now and we have no control over it.”

Phillips listed a number of important conditions and requirements that apply to instances where alcohol would be allowable. His list included: insurance, police protection, identification for the purchaser and a drink limit.

“That environment would be much better and much safer for our town than what is currently going on, because we have no control over it,” Phillips said, citing No Way Jose’s Mexican Restaurant.

Councilman Mike Upright proposed postponing the idea.

Mayor Lee Withers was the last to speak and expressed strong support for the idea. Withers said he didn’t have a vote but “could stand on my pulpit” and speak about the proposal. He started by accusing the Salisbury Post of being the reason for public opposition.

“I would say that I spoke to a lot of prominent people this week in the community that were adamantly against, and it is a direct reflection on the article that was written in the paper,” Withers said during the town council meeting. “It did make it look like we were going to be walking down the street just having an amazing party and, Josh, we need to make sure we are reporting what something is instead of trying to sell the paper.”

Withers said he convinced people the ordinance was a good idea after having a “data-driven conversation” with those who were opposed.

He said the previous administration in China Grove “turned a blind eye” to people who drank alcohol during Farmers Day. The proposed law gives the police department “more teeth,” Withers said.

Continuing, Withers stressed that alcohol would only be served in roped-off areas. After the meeting, he said alcohol could not be served on public sidewalks. It could only be served during special events. Withers said the town council would change its wording if the current ordinance allows sales outside of special events. He stressed that town staff have to approve all permits for the sale of alcohol during special events.

The ordinance provided with Tuesday’s agenda provides for certain situations were alcohol can be possessed and consumed on public property, including: streets, sidewalks, parking lots and buildings. Otherwise, it’s not allowed.

In the latest version of the ordinance, the specific, allowable situations include: a special event held at town-controlled buildings or on public property, at the community center after being approved by town staff and within a permitted dining area that’s located on a sidewalk, street or “right-of-way” area in the central business district between 10:30 a.m. and 2 a.m.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.