Oconee County Updates Alcohol Ordinance to Support Growth and Business Flexibility in 2025

​WATKNSVILLE, Ga. — The Oconee County Board of Commissioners gathered on Dec. 3 to discuss the county’s rapid growth and economic future. Members and citizens addressed the alcohol ordinance, zoning matters, including proposed variances, wrapping up 2024 and setting the scene for a successful year ahead.

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County Attorney Daniel Haygood provided updates on the ordinance, explaining how brew-pubs will be added as a licensed category. Establishments will be able to brew beer on-site and sell it to wholesalers but not directly to retailers. According to the ordinance, to qualify as a brewpub, businesses must derive 75 percent of their revenue from food sales and 25 percent from alcohol sales. Brew-pubs can also sell beer by the barrel to wholesalers, with each barrel defined as 31 gallons.

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Fee schedule adjustments were also included in the ordinance update. Exact fees have not yet been finalized and will be decided during the county’s next budget discussion. The new fees are expected to create consistency among all businesses, both small and large. Haygood explained the importance of having balance and fairness in the new ordinance regarding fees. All new fees will apply to licenses issued after Jan. 1, 2025.

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The ordinance now allows the Oconee County Planning Department to handle alcohol license applications, requiring licenses to be issued within 60 days of application submission. Businesses seeking to renew their alcohol licenses must file by Dec. 15 each year; otherwise, they will have to restart the application process.

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The ordinance also adds a list of disqualifications for license applicants, including felony convictions and crimes involving moral turpitude. For business ownership transfers, a new application must be submitted before action can be taken.

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The definition of “restaurant” was expanded to include theaters. Theaters that qualify as restaurants must meet the 75/25 revenue requirement, excluding ticket sales. The update is expected to create new opportunities for theater establishments in relation to alcohol sales. It will provide new opportunities for theaters to diversify what they offer to the public.

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In alignment with the Oconee County laws and the Sunday Brunch Bill, the ordinance also changes Sunday alcohol sale hours. Businesses will be allowed to begin serving at 11 a.m. instead of noon. This will encourage tourism and provide patrons with more flexibility. Local restaurant owners have expressed the importance of this new regulation for their economic success and enhancing the overall customer experience.

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Once Haygood finished the proposal, Chairman John Daniell asked for questions from the Board of Commissioners and any public comments. The room was silent. With that silence, Daniell opened the room for a motion to approve the updated alcohol ordinance.

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"Mr. Chairman, I’d be glad to make a motion to approve the update for this ordinance," said Commissioner Amrey Harden. "The FY25 will be amended."

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The motion was seconded by Commissioner Chuck Horton and then carried. The approval of this ordinance will bring both clarity and flexibility to alcohol licensing in Oconee County. The changes are expected to take effect starting in January 2025.