By Abigail Connolly

The average American consumes 1.35 drinks per day, 9.5 drinks per week and 494 drinks per year, according to senior scientific advisor to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism director, Aaron White. Why not consume these outside?

That is what City of Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow asks. Barlow announced March 17 a proposal for a new “Social District” in downtown Oswego, which would allow for the possession and consumption of alcohol outdoors in a specified area. This law would allow bar and restaurant goers to order alcoholic beverages and take them to other public common areas and local businesses from noon to midnight, June through October. The drinks would be in clear to-go cups, no more than 16 ounces. 

The idea for this proposal is to bring more traffic to local businesses and create a more pedestrian friendly area. Barlow specifically named events like the farmer’s market, typically held on Thursdays on W. 1st Street, The Summer Concert Series and watching the sunset from the waterfront walk as events that could benefit from the creation of the district. From a convenience standpoint, this makes sense. 

The Oswego community benefits greatly from the many local businesses that grace the downtown area. Giving the opportunity for individuals to enter and interact with a greater variety of these businesses, as opposed to having to stay in one location for however long it takes to finish a drink, will increase foot traffic and money spending. 

The argument that this could create issues with noise and public conduct in the city are valid, but unrealistic. The idea of the “Social District” causing rowdy, booze infested hoards wandering the streets and stumbling all over the place is a rather exaggerated reality. This is not a haphazardly put together idea. Many European nations do not have the open container rules that the U.S. does. Additionally similar social districts in Royal Oak, Michigan, Mobile, Alabama and Dalton, Georgia have been in place for years and there have not been many, if any, reported adverse impacts. If the concern is relating to individuals stumbling all over in an alcohol induced stupor, with all due respect, look around the streets on a Friday night when the college is in session.

The seasonal outline and the time restrictions on this open container law are also a smart precaution that would then encourage those who are looking to have a bit more fun with alcohol consumption to enter the establishments that are still open after midnight. At that point, the night is back to where it would be without the open containers being allowed on the streets. 

Barlow’s continuing focus on building and enhancing the downtown area is exciting for the residents of Oswego, the inclusion of this “Social District” is the next step in enhancing that downtown experience. 

The proposed law has been approved by the common council committee and will be reviewed by the council in the coming months. 

Photo via Flickr