Upson County commissioners table Southside Grocery beer-and-wine package application after code concerns

Upson County commissioners on Tuesday voted to table a public hearing on a beer-and-wine package sales license for Southside Grocery at 5775 Indian Trail in Thomaston after staff reported unresolved code-enforcement issues and an incomplete application.

The county’s planning/code-enforcement staff told the board that inspectors found trash around the dumpster, overgrown grass at the front of the property and at least one on-site sign that did not comply with county rules. Staff said one noncompliant sign had been removed but another remained. The staff presentation included photos taken during a reinspection immediately before the meeting.

The county did not make a staff recommendation on approval or denial because of the outstanding issues, and staff presented the board with three options: approve, deny or table the application to allow time for the applicant to correct violations.

“I’m gonna make a motion that we table this till next meeting. I mean, if he's got code violations, that he's not addressing … we’ll wait and see,” a commissioner said before the vote.

The applicant, listed in the agenda as Mr. Roy on behalf of Southside Grocery, told the board workers were on-site and were “taking care of the lawn,” and said staff had provided photos showing progress. Roy also acknowledged signage concerns noted by inspectors.

Staff also told the board the application lacked complete impartial character witness information; one reference listed only a first name with no address, which staff said made verification impossible.

The board voted to table the matter to its July meeting. Commissioners recorded votes in the affirmative when the clerk called them: Commissioner Jones — yes; Commissioner Bates — yes; Vice Chair Watson — yes. The board’s action means staff will re-inspect and return the item to the July agenda.