Large crowd comes out for Rosa Parks Square alcohol ban debate

A proposed alcohol ban in Rosa Parks Square brought out a large crowd Wednesday to debate the measure.

The public hearing held at the Macon-Bibb County Government Center drew more than 90 people. Commissioners decided to have the forum to allow people to state their cases about the proposed change before officials vote on an ordinance that would prohibit alcohol being consumed or sold inside the downtown park.

Special permits are required to serve or drink alcohol within a Macon-Bibb park.

A downtown organization, a Cherry Blossom Festival representative and business owners were among those who spoke about why they think the ban is unnecessary. Those in favor of the ban say the park should be a place of reflection and respect for the civil rights icon.

Commissioner Elaine Lucas introduced the ordinance after The Friends of Rosa Parks Square organization held a recent press conference opposing a beer festival being held inside the park located at the the corner of First and Poplar streets.

“The irony is if you actually ban alcohol in the park you would be following in Rosa Parks’ steps by drinking a beer in the park because you would be practicing passive civil disobedience,” Macon resident Jim Beall said.

Former Macon Mayor C. Jack Ellis said alcohol should not be allowed inside a park honoring Parks.

“This is a place that we hold in very, very high esteem,” he said. “When we got permission to name it we said what it would be. We said the respect we would pay. We said there would not be alcohol served there. We said it would pay tribute ... and do something very fitting for her memory and legacy.”

Several people said that events in Rosa Parks Square is one of the reasons for the economic growth downtown. The beer festival and other potential future activities bring the community together, they said.

“Drinking a beer in Rosa Parks Square, does not in my mind, dishonor nor deprecate Ms. Parks’ memory and the significance of her courageous act,” Macon resident Mike Ryan said.

The ordinance is expected to return to the commission’s Facilities and Engineering Committee agenda on June 13.

This story was originally published May 31, 2017 at 7:39 PM with the headline "Large crowd comes out for Rosa Parks Square alcohol ban debate."