Friday, September 26, 2003
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Friday, September 26, 2003 |
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Beer and wine talks stalled By JOHN THOMPSON
It's going to be a while before you can hoist a cold beer while watching a Sunday football game in a Coweta County restaurant. The County Commission Tuesday night heard a request from local restaurant owner Tom Parker, who wants to sell beer and wine at his Southern Fried Country eatery near Senoia. "I only do about 10-15 percent business in beer and wine, but I'd like to be open on Sundays and offer that service," he said. Parker calculated that if 10 restaurants opened on Sunday and sold beer and wine, the county would net about $128,000 in additional revenue. He added he had talked to the state's deputy attorney general, who said the governing body of the county could allow Sunday sales without calling for a referendum. But county attorney Mitch Powell disagreed. "I think what you're referring to is the county can set the hours establishments are open from 12 a.m-3 p.m. on Sunday mornings," he said. But Parker claimed no referendum was needed, and the commission should consider his request. Commissioner Vernon "Mutt" Hunter said he knew the law and would not consider it until the people of Coweta County voted it in through the referendum process. As Hunter continued to make his point, Parker said this was a matter of separation of church and state, but Hunter said that was not his point. Commission Chairman Leigh Schlumper stopped the discussion and suggested Parker write down all his questions and requests and submit it to the board. "We have to have some questions answered," she said. Schlumper said it was a possibility the County Commission could discuss it further at their upcoming October work session.
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