Open Container Alcohol District
Starting January 1st, 2025, businesses with a fixed location in downtown Ball Ground that are licensed by the City to serve alcohol are eligible to apply for a permit allowing them to serve open container alcohol to-go. Patrons leaving these permitted establishments with 0pen container alcohol may only carry and consume these beverages within the approved district which is shown on the map below. Members of the public may NOT bring their own open container alcohol into the district. The open carrying and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the district is only permitted between the hours of 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM on Friday’s and 12:00 PM and 9:00 PM on Saturdays. Prohibited times include those outside of these mentioned hours and family friendly events such as the Christmas parade, Halloween Spooktacular, Touch-a-Truck and others as determined by City Council.
For more information, click the red button below to read the full set of rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bring my own alcohol to consume in the district?
- No. Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed when purchased from permitted establishments. These beverages must always be in an approved container as required by the rules.
- What are the days and hours I can walk around the district with an alcoholic beverage?
- Friday’s from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturdays from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Where can I legally carry and consume an alcoholic beverage from an open container?
- To be certain, consult the detailed map of the District that is shown on this page or see the required one posted in the business where the beverage was purchased. It is generally permitted “on the bricks” or the sidewalks along Gilmer Ferry Road between the four-way stop at Old Canton Road and the intersection at Civic Drive. Specific sections of Civic Drive, Old Dawsonville Road and Old Canton Road are also included. It is permitted in the City Connection Park next to the Burger Bus and in the City Park where the amphitheater is located. It is not allowed in Calvin Farmer Park, Lions Field or other City-owned and maintained properties including parking lots.
- Can I have open container alcohol in the district during the Christmas Parade?
- No. Open container alcohol is prohibited during events determined by the City Council to be family friendly. These include the Christmas Parade, the Halloween Spooktacular and Touch-a-Truck.
- I am a visiting vendor. Can I sell open container alcohol to go?
- Generally, no. Only businesses with a permanent location in the District may serve alcohol in open containers for off-site consumption by patrons. Special exceptions are provided for certain festivals and events that have an approved permit with the City. If unsure, contact the event/festival host or call City Hall at 770-735-2123.
- I am a local business in the District. How do I participate?
- Call City Hall at 770-735-2123 and request information on the permitting process. City staff will work with you to fill out the permit and schedule the required training with the Police Department
