Cocktails with council
City council got into a late night debate about potential changes to the city's sidewalk cafe policies.
It seems that a downtown martini bar owner asked that he be allowed to run his outdoor cafe as late as he runs his business.
The issue prompted an array of questions. Is it bad to have people out on the sidewalks late on weekends? Does it cause more crime? Are there safety risks?
The debate swirled just long enough for Councilman Robbie Perkins to suggest a field trip.
Why doesn't everyone come see for themselves by having a night out downtown? he asked. Say, July 26, starting at midnight?
City Attorney Terry Wood, who is always watching council's back, duly reminded him that any gathering of 5 or more council members constituted an open meeting. Council should expect a trail of reporters.
We here at Scoop are in favor of a council member pub crawl, for all of-age Greensboro residents. We prefer gin and tonic with a twist of lime.
Put it on Perkins' tab.