The Gettysburg Borough Council asked Solicitor Harry Eastman to draft a resolution that would temporarily suspend the current ban on outdoor open containers of alcohol, but would limit their consumption to non-breakable containers that are purchased from Gettysburg establishments.
The proposed resolution would only allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages in and near the new “parklets” that are expected to appear around Lincoln Square.
Borough Manager Charles Gable noted that Harrisburg and Carlisle have made similar changes. “This would benefit everybody across the board,” said Gable.
Borough President Jake Schindel said the proposed policy would work well with the parklets. “One of our best farm to table businesses is alcoholic beverages – cideries and wineries. A lot of businesses are struggling that could benefit from this,” said Schindel
The council noted this is not a repeal of the ordinance and that businesses would still be required to do age and sobriety checks.
“For a lot of businesses their footprints are limited,” said Schindel. “There’s no way businesses will pay for the parklets if they’re not allowed to sell alcohol.”
The council will consider the resolution at their July 13 meeting.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.