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Glynn County raises drive‑through sales threshold for alcohol licensing to 30% over commissioners' objections
Summary
The board raised the percentage of drive‑through/drive‑up sales that disqualify an establishment from receiving an alcohol license from 15% to 30%, excluding curbside and third‑party delivery from that calculation; the measure passed 4–2 after debate about family‑oriented locations on St. Simons Island.
Glynn County commissioners voted to modify the county’s definition of a fast‑food restaurant for alcohol licensing so that establishments with drive‑through/drive‑up sales equal to or below 30% would not be automatically disqualified from obtaining an alcohol license. The amendment also excludes certain curbside and third‑party delivery sales from the percentage calculation.
County Attorney explained the prior threshold was 15% and the proposed change raises the threshold to 30% to reflect post‑COVID ordering patterns and third‑party delivery services. He said the change would allow some local establishments—cited during discussion as examples on St. Simons Island—to qualify for licenses they otherwise could not obtain under the old rule.
Several commissioners raised concern about the change’s impact on family‑focused venues. Commissioner Fendig said he would not support the amendment because it could allow alcohol service near locations that attract children: “I’m I’m not gonna vote for it.” Other commissioners argued that many restaurants already serve alcohol and that the revision merely modernizes the licensing standard.
The motion to adopt the amendment passed with a recorded vote of four in favor and two against. The county attorney and staff said the change clarifies what constitutes drive‑through sales and what types of takeout or curbside activity are excluded from the calculation.
