Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Alcohol Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Douglas council discusses nontraditional alcohol uses, approves distance‑measurement amendment
Summary
Council discussed whether to allow alcohol sales or service in nontraditional venues (salons, event spaces, party buses, 'cocktails to go'), asked staff to research other cities' experience, and approved a code amendment to align alcohol‑distance measurements with state law. The council approved an Aldi alcohol license and several ordinance second‑readings.
The City of Douglas commission opened a broad discussion May 11 about expanding local alcohol allowances beyond traditional restaurants, package stores and bars to nontraditional uses such as salon wine service, event‑center permits, cigar lounges and party buses.
Staff (S10) recapped repeated public inquiries and told the commission that state law permits several nontraditional licenses but that local jurisdictions decide which categories to permit. "The state allows for these type of alcohol licenses to be issued, but it's up to each local jurisdiction what you cherry pick from the state and want to allow in your community," staff said.
Council members debated the tradeoffs. Commissioner Gowen (S6) and others urged caution because of public‑safety concerns highlighted by a violent incident at an out‑of‑town permitted event. Miss Moore (S7) opposed adult‑entertainment allowances and expressed concerns about salon clients exposed to chemicals drinking alcohol. Several commissioners supported outreach and hearings and asked staff to survey other cities’ experiences before advancing changes.
On ordinances and votes: the commission carried a second‑reading amendment to the city's alcoholic‑beverage ordinance to align distance‑measurement methods with Georgia state law (motion passed by voice). A separate second‑reading amendment to the unified land‑development code for daycare/childcare centers also passed on its second reading. The full consent agenda — including approval of the April 27 minutes, the BoJo lift station task order, ratification of the West Green/West Walker sidewalk change order, and two Douglas Farmers Market board appointments — passed by voice vote. The council also approved a public hearing and later a license issuance for Aldi's grocery store to have an alcohol license.
What happens next: staff will survey peer cities and return with examples and recommendations before advancing changes to local alcohol licensing categories; the distance‑measurement ordinance and the daycare land‑development amendment will be processed as adopted per the votes taken.
Provenance: Discussion began at SEG 2130 and ordinance readings and votes occurred between SEG 2640 and SEG 2975.
