Tift County approves two alcohol-license transfers, denies one application

The Tift County Board of Commissioners approved two alcohol-license transfers and denied a third application during its Aug. 12 regular meeting.

County Clerk Miriam Jordan told the board that KT Foods Inc., 2710 U.S. Highway 41 S., and Shreem Tifton Inc., 2494 U.S. Highway 82 E. in Brookfield, currently had active licenses and that each sale was contingent on the board’s approval. The sheriff’s office reviewed both applications and recommended approval. Commissioner Melissa Hughes moved to approve the KT Foods transfer; Commissioner Paul Webb seconded, and the motion passed 6-0. Commissioner Hughes moved to approve the Shreem Tifton transfer; Commissioner Fred "Buck" Rigdon seconded, and the motion passed 6-0.

The board denied an alcohol-license application for Enigma Gas Inc., 2554 U.S. Highway 82 E. County Clerk Miriam Jordan said the location had been closed for some time and had previously held a license. Staff and the sheriff recommended denial under Tift County Code of Ordinances 6-64(2)(e). Commissioner Paul Webb moved to deny; Commissioner Stan Stalnaker seconded. The motion carried 6-0.

Why it matters: Alcohol-license approvals and denials affect business operations and local retail availability. The denial cited a specific county ordinance provision, indicating an ordinance-based eligibility or public-safety standard guided the decision.

What’s next: The approved transfers allow the two businesses to complete their sales contingent on licensing paperwork; the applicant for Enigma Gas may pursue administrative remedies or reapply if conditions change.