Alcohol package sales currently not allowed

A new company is proposing to open a package liquor store in Senoia at the intersection of Ga. highways 16 and 85.

However, there’s one significant problem. Senoia’s ordinances do not allow package alcohol sales, as pointed out Monday by Mayor Robert Belisle.

The issue came up during the public comment portion of Monday’s City Council meeting, as representatives of the Thirsty Turtle Bottleshop made their pitch to council. Plans are for a package store between roughly 10,000 and 12,000 square feet along with several other storefronts in the development for an additional 6,000 to 10,000 square feet of space for restaurants or other businesses.

The store would be located diagonally across from the Flash Foods store, representatives said.

After the presentation, Belisle said since the city’s ordinance doesn’t allow package alcohol sales, it would be inappropriate for the City Council to have a discussion with City Attorney Drew Whalen absent.

“I don’t even feel comfortable having this discussion without our city attorney here to clearly explain all the steps necessary to council members if they choose to go down this road,” Belisle said.