HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County is in the process of enacting the liquor-by-the-pour referendum that won approval on last November’s general ballot. Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw held a special-called meeting in his courthouse office Thursday, March 7, to deliver the first reading. Bradshaw has been working with Towns County Attorney Robb Kiker on the decree. Revisions were necessary, delaying the adoption.

Business establishments will be permitted to serve spirits from 11 am to 11 pm, Monday through Saturday, once the ordinance takes effect. An exception for New Year’s Eve is cited in the mandate. Off-premises beer and wine sales hours will remain unchanged, 8 am until midnight, Monday through Saturday. Sunday sales are prohibited.

Establishments must serve a 50 percent food-to-alcohol ratio, and sales receipts must be diligently submitted to the commissioner’s office for review. Restaurants must provide a minimum of 35-person seating area for dining in order to qualify for a permit.

Towns County Courthouse

Beer and wine licenses are expected to be set at $1000 per year. Beer-wine-liquor combination licenses were quoted at $3000 per year. An application fee will not be charged. Off-premises sites that sell beer and wine will continue to pay $500 per year for an annual alcohol license. “We’re in line with other counties,” Commissioner Bradshaw noted, in reference to the fees.

Bartenders must be 21 years or older. Alcohol servers must be at least 18  years of age. Person who mix, pour, or serve alcohol must be certified by Rserving.com

Alcohol consumption is listed as prohibited in or within 100 yards of a school, church, and funeral home.

Copies of the extensive requirements are available at the Towns County Courthouse for review.

The final reading of the alcohol decree is expected as early as next week if no delays arise in the process.