Second Reading Of Liquor Ordinance, Three Rezones On Agenda For Oconee County Commissioners

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners Tuesday night is scheduled to give a second reading to a liquor-by-the-drink ordinance, key features of which remain unspecified.

County Attorney Daniel Haygood drafted an ordinance that he presented to the commissioners back in July and again at their meeting on Dec. 16, when they held the first reading and public hearing on the proposed change in the county laws governing the sale of alcohol.

BOC Chairman Melvin Davis said at the first reading that he wants the body to consider changing the map that defines where liquor can be sold, increasing the percentage of a restaurant’s revenue that can come from the sale of alcohol, and eliminating the requirement that at least some food must be sold with the purchase of alcoholic beverages.

Commissioners John Daniell and Jim Luke did not attend that meeting in December, and Commissioner Margaret Hale, who did attend, will be replaced at tomorrow night’s meeting by newly elected Commissioner Bubber Wilkes.

Commissioner Mark Saxon said he agreed with Davis that BOC should consider changes in the ordinance drafted by Haygood before the members get back together tomorrow night.

The BOC also will consider three rezone requests tomorrow night, only one of which seems likely to be controversial.

For more on the story, go to Oconee County Observations.