Traverse City amends public-consumption code for sidewalks, decks and parking; ordinance introduced after 5-1 vote

Traverse City commissioners on Aug. 18 introduced an amendment to Chapter 670 (Personal Conduct Offenses), Section 670.04, to clarify and expand prohibitions on open alcohol consumption in public rights-of-way including sidewalks, streets, parking structures and lots. The commission voted 5'1 in roll call to advance the ordinance for possible enactment on Sept. 2.

City staff and the police chief had previously proposed the ordinance package and said the intended scope is public rights-of-way; parks and other city-owned properties remain subject to existing park rules or separate administrative orders. The change preserves operation of approved social-district arrangements that are licensed by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and approved by the city commission. Staff also said the city manager can issue administrative orders to suspend prohibitions on particular city-owned properties when appropriate (for example, special events with approved street closures).

Commissioners discussed permitting for block parties and special events, and whether the ordinance would require additional permit language; staff said special-event street-closure permits could include an explicit suspension of the public-consumption prohibition when the city approves the closure. Commissioner questions also addressed whether privately owned lots, MDOT corridors or some trail segments fall outside the ordinance's scope; staff confirmed the ordinance applies to public rights-of-way and that other properties may be governed by separate rules. Following public discussion, the commission voted on first reading; a final enactment vote is scheduled for the commission meeting on Sept. 2.