County attorney advances draft to require server permits; commissioners discuss reciprocity and enforcement

County Attorney Windham presented a draft amendment to the county’s alcohol ordinance that would require employees who serve alcohol at licensed retail establishments to obtain a county server permit.

The draft mirrors elements of nearby cities’ programs, including an age minimum (Windham proposed age 18 to match other parts of the county ordinance) and a requirement that servers apply within four days of beginning work. Windham said the county would administer permits through Community Development and that fees would be set by resolution. Several commissioners urged the permit to be issued to the individual server (so one permit could be used across multiple employers) and recommended reciprocal recognition of permits issued by nearby jurisdictions, citing examples of Fayetteville and Peachtree City reciprocity arrangements.

Commissioners also discussed annual renewals and enforcement checks tied to an establishment’s license renewal. Director Allen noted the county would need administrative capacity (for example, badge printing) to issue permits. Windham said the draft would be scheduled for first reading on Feb. 3 and second reading on Feb. 17 and asked commissioners to submit suggested changes ahead of the first reading.

Why it matters: the amendment would create an ongoing administrative requirement for alcohol servers and provide the county with a means to document server training, background information and compliance. Commissioners sought to make the permit practical for employees who work at more than one licensed establishment and to align procedures with neighboring cities where possible.