Upson County pauses new retail alcohol licenses for 180 days
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Summary
The Upson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to impose a 180-day moratorium on issuance of new retail licenses for distilled spirits, malt beverages and wine within county limits; the measure establishes an exemption process and was prompted in part by public concern about how county distance requirements are applied.
The Upson County Board of Commissioners on May 27 approved a 180-day moratorium on the issuance of new retail alcohol licenses for distilled spirits, malt beverages and wine within the county’s territorial limits.
The resolution states the board seeks to address a perceived “proliferation” of retail alcohol sales and to review the county alcohol code to create a clearer, consistent licensing framework. The moratorium is effective immediately and includes a written-exemption process: interested parties claiming they are “severely prejudiced” by the moratorium may file a verified application with supporting documentation for the county manager or designee to place on a future board agenda.
At the public hearing before the vote, Steve Blackston, a resident of Peacock Road, raised questions about how the county measures minimum separation between alcohol outlets and churches. Blackston noted differences between the state law measurement (a straight line from front door/property line) and the county code language, and asked why county practice appeared to direct applicants to measure around obstacles rather than by straight-line distance. “How can we continue to go ahead and give out permits to places that are in violation?” Blackston asked the commissioners.
The board’s resolution says staff will review licensing practices and potentially draft ordinance changes during the moratorium; the resolution also preserves an exemption process for parties that can show vested rights. The board voted unanimously to adopt the moratorium.
The measure instructs staff to return with recommended revisions to the alcohol code before the moratorium expires so commissioners can consider clear, uniform criteria for issuing licenses.