Council considers downtown 'Sip and Stroll' pilot to allow beer and wine in mapped area

A council member proposed creating a downtown 'Sip and Stroll' (Sip and Shop) district that would allow patrons to carry beer and wine in approved containers within a mapped downtown area to promote tourism and downtown commerce.

Sponsor (Speaker 8) said the plan is modeled on ordinances in other Texas cities and would allow only beer and wine (no hard liquor). Staff recommended adopting the change under the city code alcohol chapter and holding public hearings even if not strictly required; several council members suggested a pilot and sunset clause (12 months) with metrics such as business sales, foot traffic and incident reports.

Officials discussed operational details including time limits (initial proposal 10 a.m. to 8–9 p.m.), dedicated trash receptacles, potential need for additional enforcement or off‑duty officers and coordination with TxDOT for any changes to travel lanes or protected signals on state highways running through downtown. Chief Perkins (Speaker 13) said safety concerns (overserving, highly intoxicated persons near traffic) should be monitored and addressed in the ordinance. Staff will draft language for an evaluation-based pilot and return a proposed ordinance and public-notice plan to council.