Cobb amends Braves stadium vending rule

The Cobb County Commission on Tuesday amended a controversial vending ordinance that has been criticized by some who say it gives an unfair advantage to the Atlanta Braves at their new stadium.

The changes addressed penalties for violating the ordinance, but not the rule itself.

The ordinance has implications for anyone who may wish to sell souvenirs or food from carts or kiosks in and around the stadium.

Earlier this year, the county amended its anti-peddling ordinance to essentially grant an exemption for the Braves to control vending at the stadium and The Battery, a mixed-use development under construction next to SunTrust Park. It included what the county described as “standard misdemeanor language,” including fines and jail time for violators.

Following pushback, the county suspended the ordinance to remove references to specific penalties, effectively leaving the matter in the hands of the magistrate court.

A parking ban around the stadium that was similarly criticized has also been suspended pending changes.