By JOHN THOMPSON
Coweta Editor

The Coweta County Commission took the first steps Tuesday morning towards eliminating what one resident called a "sore" on the community.

The commission denied granting a beer and wine retail license for Virginia Thompson at Stevenson's Grocery on Westside School Road in Newnan. The grocery has been the site of numerous drug sales, according to residents, and is tearing at the fiber of the area.

Sheriff Mike Yeager told the commission that his department, in conjunction with the Fayette County Drug Suppression Task Force, conducted a drug buy at the store June 11.

"We purchased $20 of crack cocaine as Mr. Louis Stevenson (manager of the store) sat next to the individual who sold it to us," Yeager said.

He added that officers also found crack and marijuana stashed behind a Pepsi machine, and the questionable activity around the store has not ended.

"We continue to receive complaints. I think enough's enough," he said.

Local attorney Tim Kneidel asked the commission to just consider Thompson's qualifications and not consider the neighborhood as reasons for denying the license.

"That's like throwing out the baby with the bath water," Kneidel said.

But Rev. Don Geter said the community wants something done immediately. He said drugs are still being sold at the site and cars are being approached to purchase drugs.

"We need someone to get on our side," he said.

Citing the historical evidence of drug buys and undesirable behavior, the commission unanimously denied the beer and wine license. The board also instructed Yeager to write a letter informing the owners that if one more violation occurred, the county could start condemnation proceedings on the property.