Council approves second reading move for distillery ordinance; downtown investors seek distillery license
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Summary
Council moved the proposed ordinance amending Chapter 6 to add a local distillery license to second reading, and a separate alcohol license application for package beer and wine sales was approved; downtown investors urged support for downtown redevelopment.
The Statesboro Mayor and Council moved a proposed ordinance amendment Sept. 2 to add a local distillery license classification in the city's alcohol code to second reading and approved a separate alcohol license application for package beer and wine sales.
Ordinance details: City staff member Ken explained the draft revisions would define a "local distillery" and incorporate state law limits on barrel production and on-site sales. The draft requires a local distillery to derive at least 40% of its annual gross food and beverage sales from prepared meals, with package sales excluded from that calculation, and treats the local distillery as a licensee for fee determination under the ordinance. Ken cited state law sections that set production and sales limits for microbreweries and microdistilleries.
Local investment and downtown context: During public comment and council discussion, downtown investors and community supporters praised a proposed distillery/restaurant project as part of a broader downtown redevelopment and streetscape investment. A downtown supporter thanked city staff and named local investors, saying the project will revitalize a long-underused corner building downtown and called the investors "sharp guys" who stepped up to invest.
License application: Separately, the council approved a package sales beer-and-wine license application (agenda item 8). Chief Graham reported no issues with the application during the council's review.
Why it matters: The ordinance change would create a local licensing classification consistent with state limits, enabling small-scale distilleries that pair food service with on-site sales to operate downtown under city rules. Supporters said visible downtown investments and city streetscape work encouraged private investment.
Next steps: The ordinance was advanced toward second reading; staff recommended following the statutory limits cited and proceeding with required state references for the new license classification.