City Council members agreed Tuesday to begin overhauling Statesboro’s often criticized alcohol ordinance. 
    City leaders, who have recently fielded an influx of complaints about alcohol restrictions — as local law officials have stepped up enforcement — reached a consensus during a work session that the ordinance needs reexamination and have scheduled another work session to discuss the issue Aug. 16.
    “We probably need to redo the whole thing,” said Mayor Joe Brannen. “We want to have a simple law that people can understand, and that can be easily enforced by our public safety department.”
    The current ordinance, enacted in 2005, contains confusing, convoluted and, in some cases, contradictory language, according to Council and local restaurant owners required to comply with its restrictions.
    “When we drafted this ordinance the first time, some of these restrictions were put in place because of public pressure,” said Councilman Will Britt.
    “I think we need to do something that is very simple; so a rookie police officer can walk into an establishment and easily observe a violation, and a business owner can know beyond a shadow of a doubt whether they are breaking the law,” he said. “We need to start with a base of the state ordinance and add what we would like for Statesboro.”
    There are some good aspects of the ordinance that need to be kept intact, said Councilman Travis Chance.
    “But I think, starting over from the base of the state rules and moving forward by adding what is good and is common sense is the only way to do this fairly,” he said. “It is imperative we pull out what is ineffective and convoluted.”
    Much of the consternation regarding the current ordinance has been directed Council’s way by local businesses found in violation of what they say are unreasonable restrictions.
    Five restaurants were recently cited for defying the ordinance, as part of a compliance check by the Statesboro Police Department. The check was conducted in response to numerous complaints received in reference to violations — most were reported by other businesses, said Wendell Turner, Director of Public Safety.
    One reported violation was the result of a pitcher of beer being served to an individual at a table. According to the ordinance, two or more persons must be seated at the table to receive a pitcher — though a 32-ounce glass, or any other serving method not defined as a pitcher, of beer or mixed drink is acceptable.
    Another restriction allows license holders to cut the price of drinks with alcohol only between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. and no other time. Also, prices can be lowered during that time by no more than half of the regular price.
    Brian Kelly, owner of Kbob Kelley's, attended Tuesday’s meeting to address council about the ordinance.
    “As it stands now, I can serve you 200 ounces of beer in two cups, but I can’t serve you 32 ounces of beer if it’s in something called a pitcher. I can serve a fish-bowl of liquor, but not an under-sized pitcher,” said Kelly.
    “The ordinance is overreaching, inefficient and only partially enforceable. I think we need an ordinance that reads directly,” he said. “The current ordinance is riddled with inconsistencies and needs to be clearer on enforcement. I think a lot of us in town think it is egregiously unfair and we’d like to see some change.”
    According to city representatives, those hoping for new guidelines will get their wish.
    “It is time for a change,” said Councilman Gary Lewis. “Some of the laws on the books just need to go.”
    “We need to come up with something that is rational,” said City Manager Frank Parker.
    When council meets again to discuss the ordinance, Kelly is expected to present its members with a defined list of restrictions local restaurant owners would like to see changed or removed.
    Local officials expect to meet with proponents of the current ordinance as well and host a public forum for citizen input soon after its August work session, Parker said.
    Until then, the Statesboro Police Department — as it did prior to conducting compliance checks last month — will send out a letter to local establishments clarifying the regulations outlined by the current ordinance.
   
    Jeff Harrison can be reached at (912) 489-9454.