Several measures affecting the Stockbridge Amphitheater were addressed by the Stockbridge City Council at its April 10 regular meeting.

The council voted to approve an agreement that will allow Southern Crescent Technical College to have its 2023 commencement ceremony May 9 at the Stockbridge Amphitheater.

The council amended the contract presented by city staff to allow the college to rent the facility at a rate set aside for civic and educational events rather than the standard fee for a private event or commercial event. Conditions were also included regarding event parking, potential damages caused to the premises, and the event possibly being rained out.
Also approved was a potential change to the amphitheater’s alcohol beverage guidelines, although it may not ultimately take effect.

The council voted to approve an ordinance amendment to provide for an exception to amphitheater restrictions on possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, specifically to permit patrons to bring alcohol and allow coolers up to 12 inches by 12 inches in size with a limit of one per patron.

According to the city clerk’s record of the meeting, the vote was 3-1-1 with Elton Alexander opposed and Yolanda Barber abstaining, but Mayor Anthony Ford said he would exercise his veto power which can only be overturned with a vote of four members of the council.

Both of these items were added to the agenda at the start of the meeting.

The council approved the use of the amphitheater’s green room, and possible extension of the catwalk if needed, for a May 4 event to host a National Small Business Week reception to honor small business owners. That vote was unanimous.

Discussion and possible action regarding the amphitheater rental policy was removed from the agenda at the start of the meeting.