Morrow council reviews first reading to loosen packaged-wine rules and raise package-sales fees

At its Sept. 9 work session, City Manager Jeff Baker presented the first reading of Ordinance 2025-07, a proposed amendment to Title 9 of Morrow's code to overhaul package-sales rules for alcoholic beverages. The presentation and council discussion took place at the Morrow Municipal Complex.

The proposed ordinance would reduce the minimum packaged-wine container size from 32 ounces to 25 ounces, add explicit provisions allowing package sales of malt beverages and distilled spirits, and raise the package-sales licensing fee (Mr. Baker noted a possible increase from $2,500 to $5,000). City Manager Jeff Baker said the intent is to encourage an "upscale" operation that pairs a restaurant with a package store and a tasting component; he also recommended requiring separate licenses for the restaurant and package components and suggested a larger footprint for such businesses (Mr. Baker mentioned a possible 20,000-square-foot threshold as an example).

Mayor Pro Tem Renee S. Knight and Councilwoman Dorothy Dean discussed model businesses and local sourcing. Mayor Pro Tem Renee S. Knight cited local businesses such as Beer Girl and Purple Corkscrew as examples of concepts the city might emulate at larger scale. Councilwoman Dorothy Dean suggested the city could feature Georgia wineries in tasting programs. Mayor John J. Lampl II said he is "not personally a strong proponent of alcohol sales" but emphasized that any change should secure a substantial community return, including investment in the community, local hiring, and conditional-use vetting.

Ordinance 2025-07 was presented as a first reading; Mr. Baker said the second reading is scheduled for Sept. 23, 2025. No formal vote on the ordinance occurred during the Sept. 9 work session.