Referendums for alcohol sales in Royston approved by council

The city of Royston is moving forward with plans to ask residents to weigh in on two alcohol-related questions which will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Royston officials approved a resolution at their March meeting stating their intention of placing a referendum on the November ballot concerning the sale of liquor by the drink within city limits.

The wording of that referendum as approved in March reads, “Shall the governing authority of the City of Royston be authorized to issue licenses to sell distilled spirits for beverage purposes by the drink, such sales to be for consumption only on the premises.”

This past Monday at a called meeting, council members voted to place a second referendum on the November ballot. This referendum would allow for the sale of beer and wine on Sunday in Royston.

The city of Royston already allows the sale of beer and wine Monday through Saturday but has yet to approve Sunday alcohol sales.

The two referendums are an attempt by city officials to lure more restaurants to the city as well as allow businesses inside the city limits to compete with Hart County businesses.

Hart County voters recently passed Sunday sales of beer and wine.

A major concern expressed to WLHR News by Mayor David Jordan was that the wording of the referendums did not make it clear liquor by the drink would not be sold on Sundays. Jordan was emphatic about the point that the referendum only allows for liquor by the drink Monday through Saturday. Jordan said the second referendum only allows for beer and wine to be sold on Sundays, and then only in convenience and package stores.

A discussion concerning the new “Brunch Bill” law which would allow for the sale of alcohol beginning at 11 a.m. on Sundays did not gain enough traction to be placed on the ballot.