The Commission Will Vote Tonight on Banning Discrimination in Downtown Bars
The Athens-Clarke County Commission will vote tonight on taking the first step toward banning discrimination at downtown bars.
Since it came to light last year that the Confederate-themed bar General Beauregard’s served a drink named after a racial slur, many African American UGA students have come forward with other tales of racism at student bars downtown.
In particular, students say that many bars use dress codes to keep out African Americans while allowing in white customers who are dressed the same way.
A resolution proposed by commissioners Kelly Girtz, Mike Hamby and Andy Herod is expected to win unanimous support. They want a local ordinance that can be enforced locally, rather than relying on the federal government enforcing federal civil rights laws.
The resolution states that the Mayor and Commission condemn discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability or pregnancy.
It directs ACC Attorney Bill Berryman and Manager Alan Reddish to develop an ordinance allowing the commission to suspend or revoke the alcohol license of any establishment that discriminates.
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