City approves Simple Spirits move to 110 Cordele Road after disputed administrative error; state to make final determination

The Albany City Commission voted to approve a local change-of-location alcohol license for Simple Spirits Inc., d/b/a Happy Liquors, allowing the business to relocate from 2424 Sylvester Highway to 110 Cordele Road, Unit 1, after an extended discussion about an administrative error in how the application was processed and concerns raised by a nearby property owner.

The vote approved the local licensing step on the condition that the state licensing authority make its determination during the state review process; city staff told commissioners the item will return if the state raises issues. Commissioners cast a majority of yes votes on the local action, with one commissioner voting no.

City police licensing staff presented the application and said the license for the new address was originally issued after the applicant filed paperwork and paid fees. Chief licensing staff Michael Donaldson told the commission the license had first been issued in 1989, that the planning department had identified the…