Editor’s note: This article has been updated to clarify the intended location of a conference center at West End Plaza.

As Rowan County looks to use a portion of West End Plaza for a convention center, county commissioners are proposing an ordinance change that would allow alcohol at special events in the former mall.

Rowan commissioners have scheduled a public hearing for their next regularly scheduled meeting — June 15 at 6 p.m. — on amending the county’s ordinances to allow beer and wine at West End Plaza events. Commissioner Craig Pierce said each event would have to be approved by commissioners. And, each event would also have to receive a permit from the state’s Alcohol Beverage Control Commission.

Currently, alcohol isn’t allowed on county property, according to Rowan’s ordinances. With Rowan County’s purchase of the former Salisbury Mall — now West End Plaza — in December 2013, the facility became county property. Even with the alcohol restriction, community groups have hosted events in the portion of the building that formerly housed Belk’s. The former Belk’s building has been outlined in the county’s recently completed master plan as a potential convention center site.

“We just recognize the reality that some of the events may involve food and beer and wine,” said commissioners Chairman Greg Edds. “There may be instances where there will be wedding receptions, and as our ordinance reads now, the bride and groom cannot even sip an ounce of champagne together.”

Edds and Pierce said the county commissioners plan to limit consumption and sale of alcohol to the former Belk’s building. Alcohol wouldn’t be allowed in any county offices that move to West End Plaza.

The county’s ordinances read: “the sale, possession and/or consumption of any alcoholic beverages on property owned, leased, or occupied by the county is prohibited.”

If county commissioners approve an amendment to the current ordinances, Pierce said a specific policy would be written detailing alcohol use at West End Plaza.

The current policy negatively affected event bookings at the current site of the Rowan Museum before county government gave the museum the building — at the corner of West Council and North Main streets — according to Rowan Museum Executive Director Kaye Brown Hirst. The museum regularly hosts wedding events and various receptions.

The museum now owns its building and isn’t subject to the county’s current alcohol restriction, but Hirst said she would be interested in using West End Plaza’s J.C. Penney building for its annual antique show.

Similarly, Rowan County Chamber of Commerce President Elaine Spalding said West End Plaza, with loosened alcohol restrictions, would be an attractive spot for its 2016 annual gala and trade show events. Spalding said finding adequate space, such as a large banquet room, is difficult.

The county’s master plan estimates a conference center at West End Plaza at 34,000 square feet. One option also includes an event hall at 10,600 square feet.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.