County approves liquor by drink law

Commissioners approved the first reading of the new liquor by the drink ordinance at their Tuesday, Jan. 27, meeting. The law authorizes liquor sales by the drink in restaurants in Pike County and the second reading will be up for approval at the Feb. 11 meeting. Restaurants within city limits must continue to adhere to city codes. There is only one restaurant that is not in a city. ’Citizens of Pike indicated by majority vote Nov. 4, 2014, that they would like you to authorize retailers to be able to sell liquor by the drink for consumption only on the premises,’ said county attorney Rob Morton.He said Pike’s former alcohol code dealt primarily with retailers and wholesalers for sale of beer and wine and it was amended in previous years to allow for Sunday sales of alcohol based on action at the state level. ’Like sales of beer and wine, this is tied to the consumption of food,’ said Morton. ‘Sales have to be in a restaurant-type environment or golf course which also has food sales.’Morton said most significant changes to the code change malt beverage and wine to alcoholic beverages to include distilled spirits. Commissioners can make changes at the Feb. 11 meeting. Trash pickup along county roads was discussed. Hanson said the sheriff and others have been working with probationers. On different occasions six or more probationers have been scheduled to work but only one person shows up. Hanson said he is hoping to have an early spring pickup to get around eight or 10 probationers and hopes citizen volunteers will work as well. Commissioners approved a special exception for a general home occupation for Ira Rampil who lives in a subdivision near Candler Field Museum. Two spoke in favor of allowing the special exception and no one spoke against. ’I’ll perform examinations so pilots can do their vision and other required tests to keep their certification,’ said Rampil. ‘I’ve been appointed by the FFA regional flight surgeon to perform FFA testing. There are just over 100 pilots in Pike and all of them need recertification.’Commissioners approved the special exception with three conditions. Rampil must obtain an annual business license, all federal and state requirements must be met and any new business signs shall comply with the county code. The county also:’¢ Heard from Hanson that Pike’s cash reserves have increased to around $391,000 as funds are set aside to meet last year’s policy of saving 1% of revenues each fiscal year. ’¢ Reappointed Charles Way to a four-year term on the environmental review board set to expire Dec. 31, 2018. ’¢ Postponed the hazard mitigation plan update 2015-20 until the February night meeting.’¢ Approved retail sales of beer and wine for Superior Oil service station on Highway 362 in Williamson.’¢ Approved a special exception to allow Charles Milligan to put a temporary trailer on Vega Road while a residence is built. Commissioners approved it with a list of conditions.