Commissioners approve two alcohol licenses; Frosty's Griddle & Shake passes on 5'2 vote

Glynn County commissioners approved two applications for on-premises beer-and-wine licenses at their Sept. 5 meeting.

Frosty's Griddle & Shake, at 501 Mallory Street, sought permission to sell beer and wine for on-premises consumption (Sunday sales permitted). Chris Jordan, speaking for Frosty's and introducing owner Peter Bufkin, said the restaurant aims to remain "a family friendly environment" while expanding to better attract parents and grandparents. "Frosty's has every intention of remaining a family friendly environment," Jordan said.

Chief Ebner told the board his background investigation revealed no disqualifying issues for the applicant. Several commissioners said they appreciated the business but disagreed on policy: two commissioners announced they would vote against increasing alcohol availability near family-oriented venues and recovery-support communities. One commissioner described personal ties to recovery work and said, "in conscience I can't stand up and work with the people that I do to help them be free from alcohol and support" adding that he could not support more alcohol nearby. The board approved the Frosty's license by a 5' vote.

Separately, the board approved an on-premises beer-and-wine license for China Panda at 303 Venture Drive in Brunswick; staff reported no background issues and no speakers opposed that application.

Both approvals were taken after the required public hearings and background checks; Frosty's drew the only recorded split vote of the night on licensing matters.