The Wilson village board is eyeing extended suspension of the local open container law.
The board is in the process of drafting a resolution that would ease restrictions on individual possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places such as outside restaurants and street festivals.
“We thought this was something that we can do so it didn’t curb (someone who wanted) to visit one establishment after another,” trustee Greg Martin said. “Most open container laws have to do with curbing violence and misbehavior involving alcohol. We really haven’t had that problem in Wilson.”
Currently, the board suspends the open container law on a case by case basis for specific events that include vendors selling alcoholic beverages.
Officials hope that a more “blanket” approach to suspensions can streamline the process for businesses and organizations when they hold events.
“For each one of those (events), participants would have to fill out paperwork and it requires multiple conversations on boundaries and things like that. It…gives them freedom to bring drinks and sell them,” Martin said.
In loosening open container restrictions, Mayor Arthur Lawson hopes that businesses and organizations will be encouraged to hold more events and, in turn, draw more visitors to the village.
“Our intent with doing this is to help businesses and try to support their growth,” Lawson said.
Lawson anticipates the suspension would be in effect at least between May and September, the period in which the village sees a greater influx of visitors. The board could then vote on another resolution to reinstate the open container law as needed.
“I’m going in with the impression that we’ll do it through that busy period,” he said.
However, Martin said there is a possibility that the suspension could go past September, depending on events that may take place in the village later in the year, such as the New Year’s Eve ball drop.
He anticipates that the board will vote on the suspension measure during its annual reorganizational meeting in April.