Beer, Wine Now Allowed At Private Dog Parks In Smyrna

SMYRNA, GA — A private dog park that serves alcohol might find its home in the city of Smyrna.

According to city documents, Smyrna community development department officials have met with business owners who want to open a private dog park in the city. But the city's zoning laws did not list private dog parks as permitted uses under any zoning district.

Because of this, Smyrna City Council members unanimously passed changes to its zoning laws Monday night to add private dog parks to the list of permitted uses under general commercial, central business and mixed-use zoning districts.

The code amendments also allow for private dog parks to have pouring licenses, which permits them to sell alcoholic beverages.

Community Development Director Russell "Rusty" Martin told council members Monday that a business owner who already operates a private dog park in the area wants to open one in Smyrna, but did not name the business or a proposed location.

"[The changes] will just open up opportunities for some creative new businesses, which is what we’re looking forward to,” Council Member Tim Gould said during the meeting.