Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Buffalo Common Council is taking up the issue of whether to allow open containers in the city. Conversations on the matter start next week.
One resident says it's time, while one Council member is not taking up a position just yet.
Fillmore District Councilman Mitch Nowakowski anticipates a lot of discussion, as the issue will affect separate districts differently.
"I don't have an official opinion just yet, but I want to explain the political realities," said Nowakowski in an interview with WBEN.
Nowakowski represents a number of different neighborhoods in Buffalo, including downtown, Allentown and parts of Broadway-Fillmore.
"In the more impoverished and struggling neighborhoods, I banned single alcohol consumption from corner stores, because it oftentimes lights a match to the problems that are going around there," Nowakowski noted.
He adds in the downtown districts like Chippewa, those merchants do not want people to publicly consume alcohol and have an open container, because they want people consuming alcohol in their establishments.
Deliberations will have to balance public safety and the minds of merchants, according the Nowakowski.
Those in favor tell Nowakowski it's done in East Aurora, so why not in Buffalo?
"It can be selectively enforced, and I certainly understand the issues with that. But the conversation is more complex than just allowing everyone to consume open container alcohol, because of the balance of public safety and of our entertainment districts and of our merchants who ultimately have establishments who are against this," Nowakowski said.
"I do think it's about time in our city," says resident Sydnie Perkins with WBEN. "We have an influx of new, young professionals, in the area, and we have three communities that people go and enjoy music and parties, and hanging out with friends like Allentown, Elmwood and Hertel. So I'm thinking if those are places where we have a lot of neighbors, we have a lot of new development, it would be a great way for people to just go outside, kind of meet new people, check out the shops, enjoy the nice weather and having a beer or a wine while you're walking."
Perkins is concerned about open drinking on college campuses, though.
"I'm a Canisius University alumna, and I know our campus is right in the center of the East Side, and it's spread out amongst a couple of blocks. So I was worried about that, like students walking to-and-from campus, students who are of age around students who are underage," Perkins noted.
She adds an open container law would make it a lot more enjoyable to just meet friends where they are, like at home.
Nowakowski says no legislation has been drawn up yet.
