Commissioners Table Proposed Amendments to Alcohol Ordinance
At their last regular meeting for 2025, the Meriwether County Commission voted to table amendments to the county’s alcohol ordinance. During a public hearing for discussion on the changes, which were read out by County Clerk Allyson Stephens, some ambiguities were noted in reference to the suspension of alcohol licenses. One item concerned altercations at places that sell alcohol which involve patrons and employees and which, under the currently revised amendment, could result in the licensee having the alcohol license suspended for 30 days pending possible revocation. Commissioner Gene King said he could see a scenario where such an incident involving people with no connection to the business would cause the business to lose its license. Stephens said the wording was subject to change or review by the Commissioners, and the intent in this case was regarding the failure of the licensee or owner to act on the altercation taking place. King said the owner’s business should not be jeopardized because someone came to the business and caused an altercation.
