Plan To Sell Alcohol At Six Flags White Water Fails

Six Flags White Water will remain alcohol free. This week, the Marietta City Council voted against a plan that would have allowed beer, wine and margaritas to be sold throughout the 69-acre park.

Those representing the water park said they want alcohol sales because of customer demand.  Alcohol is currently sold at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell and at the companies’ other U.S. water parks.

“We’re not looking to become a bar, we’re not looking to become a saloon. We’re just looking to provide alcoholic beverages to our guests,” says attorney Michael Sard, who represented White Water before the city council.

But several council members were concerned about adding alcohol to the family-friendly park. Councilwoman Michelle Cooper Kelly worries some parents could get too drunk to watch their children.

“Even though lifeguards are available, I think first and foremost it’s parental responsibility to be mindful and constantly supervise your child, and as I think most people know sometimes alcohol can alter that,” says Cooper Kelly.

But Councilman Stuart Fleming says the park should be allowed to sell beer and wine. 

“For me, it all came down to that there are examples of businesses in Cobb County where companies effectively manage and merge family fun with the ability to consume adult beverages,” says Fleming.

Fleming drew the line at allowing the park to sell hard alcohol, because he says it would allow people to get drunk faster.

White Water could reapply to sell alcohol solely within its restaurants rather than throughout the entire park.