City council approves retail beer and wine permits for local establishments

The Anniston City Council convened on June 3, 2025, to address several key issues impacting the community, including the approval of retail alcohol licenses and the transfer of surplus property for recreational development.

One of the primary discussions involved the approval of retail beer and table wine licenses for Double Tobacco and Package LLC. The council reviewed multiple addresses associated with the application, ultimately voting in favor of the licenses. This decision is expected to enhance local business opportunities and contribute to the city’s economic growth.

In another significant move, the council discussed an ordinance declaring certain city properties as surplus. This ordinance allows for the transfer of ownership to Calhoun County for the development of multipurpose recreational channels. The council emphasized that this initiative could generate additional revenue through property and sales taxes, as well as create new job opportunities within the city. After a public hearing with no comments from residents, the council unanimously adopted the ordinance.

The meeting also included a brief segment for council comments, where Councilman Dowling expressed concerns about recent disturbances related to local parties, indicating ongoing community issues that the council may need to address in future meetings.

Overall, the council's decisions reflect a proactive approach to fostering economic development and addressing community concerns, setting the stage for future initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Anniston. The next steps will likely involve monitoring the impact of the newly approved licenses and the progress of the recreational property development.