HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-24 Meeting Minutes Public Service Committee Meeting Commission Chamber - 4/24/2018
ATTENDANCE:
Present: Hons. Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor; Guilfoyle, Chairman; Fennoy,
Vice Chairman; Davis and M. Williams, members.
PUBLIC SERVICES
1. New Applicant: A.N. 18-14: A request by John David Wier for an on
premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be used in connection
with Noble Jones, LLC located at 816 Cotton Lane. District 1. Super District
9.
Item
Action:
Approved
Motions
Motion
Type Motion Text Made By Seconded By Motion
Result
Approve
Motion to
approve.
Motion Passes
4-0.
Commissioner
Mary Davis
Commissioner
Marion Williams Passes
2. New Applicant: A.N. 18-15: A request by Samrat K. Brahmbhatt for a retail
package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Sawa Kendra,
LLC dba Split Stop 2161 located at 2161 Gordon Highway. District 5. Super
District 9.
Item
Action:
Approved
Motions
Motion
Type Motion Text Made By Seconded By Motion
Result
Approve
Motion to
approve.
Motion Passes
4-0.
Commissioner
Mary Davis
Commissioner
Marion Williams Passes
3. New Ownership Application: A.N. 18-16: A request by Samrat K.
Brahmbhatt for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used in connection
with Sawa Kendra LLC dba Split Stop 1200 located at 1200 Interstate Pkwy.
District 3. Super District 10.
Item
Action:
Approved
Motions
Motion
Type Motion Text Made By Seconded By Motion
Result
Approve
Motion to
approve.
Motion Passes
4-0.
Commissioner
Marion Williams
Commissioner
Mary Davis Passes
4. Discussion: A request by Tera Ashley Montroy for a Massage Operator's
License on an Outcall Basis to used in connection with Massage etceTERA
located at 2525 Centerwest PKWY APT 7G. District 7. Super District 10.
Item
Action:
Approved
Motions
Motion
Type Motion Text Made By Seconded By Motion
Result
Approve
Motion to
approve.
Motion Passes
4-0.
Commissioner
William Fennoy
Commissioner
Mary Davis Passes
5. Approve amendments to the Augusta, Georgia Code, Title 6, Chapter 2,
Article 1, Alcoholic Beverages, to include additional definitions, amendments
to comply with State regulations, and amendments for regulating brewpubs,
breweries, and distilleries.
Item
Action:
Approved
Motions
Motion
Type Motion Text Made By Seconded By Motion
Result
Approve
Motion to
approve.
Motion Passes
4-0.
Commissioner
Mary Davis
Commissioner
Marion Williams Passes
6. Ms. Tonya Bonitatibus requesting the City of Augusta to move forward
with hiring McLaughlin Group to create concept drawings for the
Item
Action:
Rescheduled
Whitewater Center included in Destination Blueprint adopted by the city on
June 6, 2017.
Motions
Motion
Type Motion Text Made By Seconded By Motion
Result
Defer
Motion to refer this
item to the full
Commission with no
recommendation.
Motion Passes 4-0.
Commissioner
Mary Davis
Commissioner
Marion
Williams
Passes
7. Motion to approve 2018 Transportation Security Clearinghouse Service
Agreement.
Item
Action:
Approved
Motions
Motion
Type Motion Text Made By Seconded By Motion
Result
Approve
Motion to
approve.
Motion Passes
4-0.
Commissioner
Mary Davis
Commissioner
Marion Williams Passes
8. Motion to approve the minutes of the Public Services Committee held on
April 10, 2018.
Item
Action:
Approved
Motions
Motion
Type Motion Text Made By Seconded By Motion
Result
Approve
Motion to
approve.
Motion Passes
4-0.
Commissioner
Mary Davis
Commissioner
Marion Williams Passes
9. Motion to approve Bid Item #18-121, Mobile Stage for Augusta Recreation
and Parks Department, to Century Industries for $189,324.
Item
Action:
Approved
Motions
Motion
Type Motion Text Made By Seconded By Motion
Result
Approve Motion to
approve.
Motion Passes
4-0.
Commissioner
Mary Davis
Commissioner
Marion Williams
Passes
www.augustaga.gov
Public Service Committee Meeting
4/24/2018 1:00 PM
Attendance 4/24/18
Department:
Presenter:
Caption:
Background:
Analysis:
Financial Impact:
Alternatives:
Recommendation:
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Public Service Committee Meeting
4/24/2018 1:00 PM
Alcohol Application
Department:Planning & Development
Presenter:Julietta H. Walton
Caption:New Applicant: A.N. 18-14: A request by John David Wier for
an on premise consumption Liquor, Beer & Wine License to be
used in connection with Noble Jones, LLC located at 816 Cotton
Lane. District 1. Super District 9.
Background:This is a New Applicant.
Analysis:The applicant meets the requirements of the City of Augusta's
Alcohol Ordinance.
Financial Impact:The applicant will pay a fee of $4,445.00
Alternatives:
Recommendation:The Planning & Development Office approved the application
subject to additional information not contradicting the
applicant’s statements. The Sheriff’s Office approved the
application subject to additional information not contradicting
applicant’s statements.
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Law
Administrator
Clerk of Commission
Public Service Committee Meeting
4/24/2018 1:00 PM
Alcohol Application
Department:Planning & Development
Presenter:Julietta H. Walton
Caption:New Applicant: A.N. 18-15: A request by Samrat K.
Brahmbhatt for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be used
in connection with Sawa Kendra, LLC dba Split Stop 2161
located at 2161 Gordon Highway. District 5. Super District 9.
Background:This is a New Applicant.
Analysis:The applicant meets the requirements of the City of Augusta's
Alcohol Ordinance.
Financial Impact:The applicant will pay a fee of $1,330.00.
Alternatives:
Recommendation:The Planning & Development Office approved the application
subject to additional information not contradicting the
applicant’s statements. The Sheriff’s Office approved the
application subject to additional information not contradicting
applicant’s statements.
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Law
Administrator
Clerk of Commission
Public Service Committee Meeting
4/24/2018 1:00 PM
Alcohol Application
Department:Planning & Development
Presenter:Julietta H. Walton
Caption:New Ownership Application: A.N. 18-16: A request by Samrat
K. Brahmbhatt for a retail package Beer & Wine License to be
used in connection with Sawa Kendra LLC dba Split Stop 1200
located at 1200 Interstate Pkwy. District 3. Super District 10.
Background:This is a New Ownership Application. Formerly in the name of
Marion Koger.
Analysis:The applicant meets the requirements of the City of Augusta's
Alcohol Ordinance.
Financial Impact:The applicant will pay a fee of $1,330.00.
Alternatives:
Recommendation:The Planning & Development Office approved the application
subject to additional information not contradicting the
applicant’s statements. The Sheriff’s Office approved the
application subject to additional information not contradicting
applicant’s statements.
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Law
Administrator
Clerk of Commission
Public Service Committee Meeting
4/24/2018 1:00 PM
Massage Operator
Department:Planning & Development
Presenter:Julietta H. Walton
Caption:Discussion: A request by Tera Ashley Montroy for a Massage
Operator's License on an Outcall Basis to used in connection
with Massage etceTERA located at 2525 Centerwest PKWY
APT 7G. District 7. Super District 10.
Background:This is a New Application.
Analysis:The applicant meets the requirements of the City of Augusta's
Ordinance that regulates Massage Operator's.
Financial Impact:The applicant will pay a fee of $155.00 for a Massage Operator's
License and a fee based on estimated gross revenue reported.
Alternatives:
Recommendation:The Planning & Development approved the application subject
to additional information not contradicting applicant’s
statements. The Sheriff’s Office approved the application subject
to additional information not contradicting applicant’s
statements.
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Finance.
Law.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
ORDINANCE NO. ___________
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE AUGUSTA, GEORGIA CODE, TITLE 6, CHAPTER 2,
ARTICLE 1, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, SECTION 6-2-2, SECTION 6-2-5, SECTION 6-2-7,
SECTION 6-2-14, SECTION 6-2-19, SECTION 6-2-26, SECTION 6-2-51, SECTION 6-2-53,
AND SECTION 6-2-67; SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL DFINITIONS, DESIGNATE
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC AREA, PROVIDE FOR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, HOURS OF SALE, CLARIFYING MINIMUM AGE
REQUIREMENT FOR EMPLOYMENT, ADDING ALCOHOL LICENSE
CLASSIFICATIONS, ADDING LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR BREWERIES AND
DISTILLERIES, AND ADDING LICENSING FEES; TO REPEAL ALL CODE SECTIONS
AND ORDINANCES AND PARTS OF CODE SECTIONS AND ORDINANCES IN
CONFLICT HEREWITH; TO WAIVE THE SECOND READING; TO PROVIDE AN
EFFECTIVE DATE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
NOW, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE AUGUSTA, GEORGIA COMMISSION AND IT IS
HEREBY ORDAINED BY THE AUTHORITY OF SAME THAT ALL ALCOHOL
LICENSEES WITHIN THE JURISDICTION SHALL COMPLY WITH THE A
PROVISIONS OF THE AUGUSTA, GA CODE, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Title 6, Chapter 2, Article 1, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, Section 6-2-2, is hereby
amended by deleting this section in its entirety, AND new Section 6-2-2 is hereby inserted to
replace the repealed section as set forth in “Exhibit A” hereto.
SECTION 2. Title 6, Chapter 2, Article 1, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, Section 6-2-5, is hereby
amended by deleting this section in its entirety, AND new Section 6-2-5 is hereby inserted to
replace the repealed section as set forth in “Exhibit A” hereto.
SECTION 3. Title 6, Chapter 2, Article 1, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, Section 6-2-7, is hereby
amended by deleting this section in its entirety, AND new Section 6-2-7 is hereby inserted to
replace the repealed section as set forth in “Exhibit A” hereto.
SECTION 4. Title 6, Chapter 2, Article 1, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, Section 6-2-14, is
hereby amended by deleting this section in its entirety, AND new Section 6-2-14 is hereby inserted
to replace the repealed section as set forth in “Exhibit A” hereto.
SECTION 5. Title 6, Chapter 2, Article 1, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, Section 6-2-19, is
hereby amended by deleting this section in its entirety, AND new Section 6-2-19 is hereby inserted
to replace the repealed section as set forth in “Exhibit A” hereto.
SECTION 6. Title 6, Chapter 2, Article 1, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, Section 6-2-26, is
hereby amended by deleting this section in its entirety, AND new Section 6-2-26 is hereby inserted
to replace the repealed section as set forth in “Exhibit A” hereto.
SECTION 7. Title 6, Chapter 2, Article 1, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, Section 6-2-51, is
hereby amended by deleting this section in its entirety, AND new Section 6-2-51 is hereby inserted
to replace the repealed section as set forth in “Exhibit A” hereto.
SECTION 8. Title 6, Chapter 2, Article 1, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, Section 6-2-53, is
hereby amended by deleting this section in its entirety, AND new Section 6-2-53 is hereby inserted
to replace the repealed section as set forth in “Exhibit A” hereto.
SECTION 9. Title 6, Chapter 2, Article 1, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, Section 6-2-67, is
hereby amended by deleting this section in its entirety, AND new Section 6-2-67 is hereby inserted
to replace the repealed section as set forth in “Exhibit A” hereto.
SECTION 10. This ordinance shall become upon adoption.
SECTION 11. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
Adopted this ___ day of ___________, 2018.
__________________________ Attest:______________________________
Hardie Davis, Jr. Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission
As its Mayor Seal:
CERTIFICATION
The undersigned Clerk of Commission, Lena J. Bonner, hereby certifies that the foregoing
Ordinance was duly adopted by the Augusta, Georgia Commission on ________________, 2018
and that such Ordinance has not been modified or rescinded as of the date hereof and the
undersigned further certifies that attached hereto is a true copy of the Ordinance which was
approved and adopted in the foregoing meeting(s).
______________________________
Lena J. Bonner, Clerk of Commission
Published in the Augusta Chronicle.
Date: _________________________
WAIVE SECOND READING
“EXHIBIT A”
Chapter 2
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
ARTICLE 1 IN GENERAL
Sec. 6-2-2. Definitions.
The following are definitions of terms as used in this Chapter:
(a) Alcohol. Ethyl alcohol, hydrated oxide of ethyl, or spirits of wine, from whatever source or by
whatever process produced.
(b) Alcoholic beverage. Alcoholic beverage includes all drinks or beverages containing alcohol,
including, but not limited to, distilled spirits, beer, malt beverage, wine or fortified wine.
(c) Alcoholic Treatment Center: Any state owned or state operated hospital, community mental health
center, or other facility utilized for the diagnosis, care, treatment, or hospitalization of persons who are
alcoholics and any other hospital or facility within the State of Georgia approved for such purpose by the
department, including the buildings and the surrounding property or campus directly incorporated into such
use.
(d) Bar/ Pub: An established place of business which is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for
consumption on the premises and may serve meals to be consumed on the premises and which also may
provide live entertainment or contests involving strength or skill and may provide electronic games or
pool tables.
(e) Beer. Any alcoholic beverage obtained by the fermentation of barley, malt, hops, or any other similar
product, or any combination of such product in water containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume,
and including ale, porter brown style lager beer, small beer, and strong beer.
(e) Beer. Malt beverage obtained by the fermentation of any infusion or decoction of barley, malt, hops,
or any other similar product, or any combination of such products in water containing not more than
fourteen percent (14%) Alcohol by volume and including ale, porter, brown, stout, lager beer, and strong
beer. This term does not include sake, known as Japanese rice wine.
(f) Brewery shall mean a large or industrial scale manufacturer of alcoholic malt beverages for the
purpose of wholesale distribution. Such use must be connected to public water and sewer.
(g) Brewpub shall mean a restaurant that produces a limited quantity of an alcoholic malt beverage for on-
site consumption with incidental sales to the public as carryout and is consistent with Section 6-2-52 of
the Augusta Georgia Code thereby regulating alcohol licenses for eating establishments. Such use must be
connected to public water and sewer.
(h) Caterer - Licensed alcoholic beverage caterer. Any retail dealer who has been licensed by Augusta,
Georgia pursuant to this chapter and pursuant to Georgia law.
(i) Church: A permanent building owned and operated exclusively by a religious organization and publicly
designated a church where persons regularly assemble for religious worship. The minimum distance
requirements from church buildings shall not apply to space in a shopping center or residences also used
for religious purposes.
(j) Dinner theater: An established place of business that is defined as a restaurant as in section 6-2-2(u)
with the exception that a fee may be collected upon entrance to the business which provides theatrical
entertainment during the course of the meal.
(k) Director of Planning and Development. The person named as director of the Augusta Planning and
Development Department, or any designated representative thereof.
(l) Distillery shall mean a large or industrial scale manufacturer of alcoholic distilled spirits for the
purpose of wholesale distribution. Such use must be connected to public water and sewer.
(m) Distributor shall mean the manufacturer’s direct point of contact for prospective buyers of certain
products.
(n) Drinking alcohol on city streets prohibited. Except as provided in paragraph (1) below, it shall be
unlawful for any licensed establishment to dispense any alcoholic beverage in an open container for removal
from the premises, and it shall be unlawful for any person to remove from an alcoholic beverage
establishment any open container of alcoholic beverage or to drink or attempt to drink any alcoholic
beverage from any open container or to possess in any open container any alcoholic beverage on the streets,
sidewalks, rights-of-way, and parking lots, whether public or private, within the limits of Augusta, Georgia.
(1) Outside consumption of alcoholic beverage permitted in certain area; Restaurants (eating
establishments) as defined in Section 6-2-52 that have complied with Augusta-Richmond County
Code Section 3-8-11 (a)(b) Sidewalk Encroachments, may allow customers to consume an
alcoholic beverage at the outside table while dining.
(o) Entertainment Venue shall mean an establishment which is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for
consumption on the premises and which derives at least 50 percent of its total annual gross entertainment
and beverages sales from the sale of entertainment admission tickets, and shall further mean an
entertainment venue meeting criteria for license eligibility provided in section 6-2-52.
(p) Fortified Wines shall mean any alcoholic beverage containing more than twenty-one percent (21%)
Alcohol by volume made from fruits, berries, or grapes either by natural fermentation or by natural
fermentation with brandy added. The term includes, but is not limited to, brandy.
(q) Growler. The term growler shall mean a glass or ceramic bottle or jug not to exceed 64 ounces that is
filled by a licensee or employee of a licensee with beer from a keg and securely sealed for off-premises
consumption. Growlers may only be filled from kegs procured by the licensee from a duly licensed
wholesaler and the filling of growlers by means of a tapped keg shall not constitute the breaking of a
package as contemplated by O.C.G.A. § 3-3-26 and they cannot be in the possession or control of retailer
selling distilled spirits by the package.
(r) Hotel: A building or other structure kept, used, maintained, advertised and held out to the public to be a
place where sleeping accommodations are offered for adequate pay to travelers and guests, whether
transient, permanent or residential, in which 50 or more rooms are used for the sleeping accommodations
of such guests, such sleeping accommodations being conducted in the same building or in separate buildings
or structures used in connection therewith that are on the same premises and are a part of the hotel operation.
Motels meeting the qualifications set out in this definition for hotels shall be classified in the same category
as hotels.
(s) Housing Authority Property means any property containing 300 housing units or fewer owned or
operated by a housing authority created by Article 1 of Chapter 3 of Title 8, the “Housing Authorities Law”.
(t) Liquor. Distilled spirits, which means any alcoholic beverage obtained by distillation or containing
more than 21% alcohol by volume, including but not limited to all fortified wines.
(u) Liquor Store shall mean a retail outlet for the purpose of the sale of alcoholic beverages to include
beer, wine and spirits.
(v) Lounge means a separate room connected with a part of and, adjacent to a restaurant or located in a
hotel.
(w) Main entrance door/ front door means the principal entrance by which access may be obtained to the
operational area of a structure.
(x) Micro Brewery shall mean a manufacture of alcoholic malt beverages of up to 15,000 barrels per year
for the purpose of wholesale distribution of a majority of its product with incidental sales to the public
either for on-site consumption or for carryout not to exceed 288 ounces per person per day. (No restaurant
component)
(y) Nightclub shall mean an established place of business which is licensed to serve alcoholic beverages for
consumption on the premises (the sale of alcoholic beverages being the dominant part of its business) and
which also may provide live entertainment.
(z) Nano Brewery shall mean a producer of alcoholic malt beverages of up to 3,000 barrels per year for
the purpose of wholesale distribution and retail sales to the public for on-site consumption or for carryout
not to exceed 288 ounces per person per day. (No restaurant component)
(aa) Nano Distillery shall mean a producer of alcoholic distilled spirits of up to 500 barrels per year for
the purpose of wholesale distribution and retail sales to the public for on-site consumption or for carryout
not to exceed 3 bottles (750 ml) per person per day. (No restaurant component)
(bb) Off-premises consumption. The sale of alcoholic beverages in unbroken packages for consumption in
a location other than the licensed premises.
(cc) On-premises consumption. The sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink or in broken packages for
consumption on the licensed premises.
(dd) Pico Brewery shall mean a small batch producer of alcoholic malt beverages of up to 500 barrels per
year for the purpose of retail sales to the public for on-site consumption or for carryout not to exceed 288
ounces per person per day. (No restaurant component)
(ee) Pico Distillery shall mean a small batch producer of alcoholic distilled spirits of up to 100 barrels per
year for the purpose of retail sales to the public for on-site consumption or for carryout not to exceed 3
bottles (750 ml) per person per day. Such use must be connected to public water and sewer. (No
restaurant component)
(ff) Premises. One physical identifiable place of business consisting of one room, or two or more
contiguous rooms operating under the same trade name where distilled spirits by the drink are sold. On
premises outlets which cannot be determine as one identifiable place of business shall require additional
licenses regardless of such establishments having the same trade name, ownership, or management;
provided nothing herein shall require additional licenses for service bars, or portable bars used
exclusively for the purpose of mixing or preparing such drinks when such bars are accessible only to
employees of the licensed establishment and from which drinks are prepared to be served in the licensed
premises. Premises shall not include common facilities located in a shopping center area.
(gg) Package. A bottle, can or other original consumer container.
(hh) Private club means any nonprofit corporation or association organized under the laws of this state
which:
(1) Has been in existence at least one year prior to filing an application for a license;
(2) Has at least 75 regular dues-paying members; and
(3) Owns, hires or leases a building or space within a building for the reasonable use of its members,
which building or space:
a. Has suitable kitchen and dining room space and equipment;
b. Is staffed with a sufficient number of employees for cooking, preparing and serving meals
for its members and guests; and
c. Has no member, officer, agent or employee directly or indirectly receiving, in the form of
salary or other compensation, any profits for the sale of alcoholic beverages beyond a "fixed
salary," as such term is defined in O.C.G.A. § 3-7-1, as amended from time to time.
(ii) Restaurant: An established place of business:
(1) Which is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises but promotes the
sale of prepared food as a dominant part of the business;
(2) Which has adequate facilities and sufficient employees for cooking or preparing and serving such
meals for consumption at tables in dining rooms on the premises and a seating capacity of at least 40
people;
(3) Which derives at least 50 percent of its gross food and beverage income from the sale of such
meals prepared, served, and consumed on the premises;
(4) Which charges no fee for admission or contests nor allows an independent individual to charge
fees for admission or contests on the premises;
(5) Which serves food during all hours of operation.
(6) Not withstanding any other criterion in this section, licensees operating as Hybrid Restaurants
may elect to operate as a bar and may charge after 9:00 p.m. cover charges for live entertainment and
contests not adult oriented in nature subject to Section 6-2-52, provided that the licensee obtains a
certificate from the Fire Marshall which states the maximum occupancy limits during restaurant
operations and the maximum occupancy limit once food service stops and the restaurant functions as
a bar, and they meet all of the distance criteria in sections 6-2-64 and the 50 percent food sales
criterion of subsection (3) of this section and provided further that no persons under the legal
drinking age of 21 shall be allowed after the time such licensees begin to charge a cover charge
and provided that licensees post a sign which is visible upon entry to the establishment which shall
read "This establishment may charge a cover charge after 9:00 p.m. and no persons under the legal
drinking age of 21 shall be allowed on the premises after 9:00 p.m. as per Section 6-2-2(w)(7) of the
Augusta, Georgia Code." and upon initial application with the Planning and Development Department
or upon annual renewal the licensee must indicate the intent to charge a cover charge under this
section. Failure to declare the intent to charge a cover charge may result in revocation of the alcoholic
beverage license. Restaurants which elect to charge a covercharge are required to pay an annual
regulatory fee as required is Section 2-1-3 (c ) of the Augusta-Richmond County Code.
(jj) Retail sale. The sale of alcoholic beverages either in unbroken packages or for consumption on the
premises, only to consumers and not for re-sale.
(z) St. Patrick’s Day holiday period means March 16 through March 18 of each year. DELETED
(kk) Wine. Any alcoholic beverage containing not more than 21% alcohol by volume, made from
fruits, berries or grapes, either by natural fermentation or by natural fermentation with brandy added.
The term includes but is not limited to, all sparkling wines, champagnes, combinations of such
beverages, vermouths, special natural wines, rectified wines, and like products. The term does not
include cooking wine mixed with salt or other ingredients so as to render it unfit for human consumption
as a beverage.
(ll) Wholesaler shall mean person or firm that buys large quantities of goods from various producers and
resells them to retailers.
(mm) Wine Tasting as regulated under Georgia State Alcohol regulations Section 560-2-9-.01, and
Section 6-2-77 of the Augusta, Georgia Alcohol Ordinance. An application for a Wine Tasting in an
establishment with a current Retail Wine License shall be approved by the Director of Planning &
Development.
(Fees are subject to change / contact the Planning & Development Department for the current fee
schedule.)
Sec. 6-2-5. Consumption at parks, playgrounds, public streets and public areas owned or operated
by Augusta.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to serve, to consume or offer for the purpose
of consumption to anyone else or to be in possession of beer, wine, or any type of intoxicating liquor or
beverages, in and on any public park, playground, or building thereon, or other public area, owned or
operated by Augusta, at any time whatsoever, with the exception of Julian Smith Casino, Julian Smith
Park Barbecue Pit, Fleming Park Community Center, Reynolds Park, Jamestown Community Center,
Hephzibah Community Center and McBean Community Center, May Park, Brigham Center, Savannah
Place, Warren Road Community Center, New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam Recreation Area, Gracewood
Community Center, McDuffie Wood, Diamond Lakes Community Center, Bernie Ward Community
Center, Blythe Area Recreation Center, The Boathouse, Old Government House, Minnick Park, Augusta
Municipal Golf Course, Eastview Park and Doughty Park, Sandhills Recreation Center, Augusta
Common, 8th Street Plaza, Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, Daniel Field Airport or any other
recreational facility or property owned, controlled, or maintained by Augusta, except in accordance with
subsection (b), (c), (d) and (e) below, or otherwise provided by the Augusta-Richmond County Code or
Georgia law.
(b) Prior written approval must be obtained from the Sheriff of Richmond County,
Georgia, and the Director of the Recreation Department, when alcoholic beverages are served or
consumed at Julian Smith Casino, Julian Smith Park Barbecue Pit, Fleming Park Community Center,
Reynolds Park, Jamestown Community Center, Hephzibah Community Center and McBean Community
Center, May Park, Brigham Center, Savannah Place, Warren Road Community Center, New Savannah
Bluff Lock & Dam Recreation Area, Gracewood Community Center, McDuffie Wood, Diamond Lakes
Community Center, Bernie Ward Community Center, Blythe Area Recreation Center, The Boathouse,
Old Government House, Minnick Park, Augusta Municipal Golf Course, Eastview Park and Doughty
Park, Sandhills Recreation Center, Augusta Common, 8th Street Plaza, or any other recreational facility
or property owned, controlled, or maintained by Augusta.
(c) Prior written approval must be obtained from the Sheriff of Richmond County,
Georgia and the Director of Riverwalk, when alcoholic beverages are served or consumed at Augusta
Common or the 8th Street Plaza.
(d) Prior written approval must be obtained from the Sheriff of Richmond County,
Georgia and the Augusta Canal Authority when alcoholic beverages are served or consumed at Augusta
Canal National Heritage Area.
(e) Prior written approval must be obtained from the Sheriff of Richmond County,
Georgia and the Daniel Field General Aviation Commission when alcoholic beverages are served or
consumed at Daniel Field.
(f) It shall be unlawful for any person to serve, to consume or offer for the purpose of
consumption to anyone else or to be in possession of beer, wine, or any type of intoxicating liquor or
beverages, in an open container, cup, or glass, on any public street, sidewalk, alley, or other public area,
owned or operated by Augusta, at any time whatsoever, except in accordance with subsection (b),(c), (d)
and (e) above, or otherwise provided by the Augusta-Richmond County Code or Georgia law.
Sec. 6-2-7. Notice to Augusta-Richmond County and Georgia Department of Revenue of Revenue of
disciplinary action against licensee.
(a) Disciplinary action as used herein means any action taken by any municipal, county,
state, or federal agency against the licensee, his employees, or his place of business, including, but not
limited to:
(1) Arrest by local, state, or federal authorities of the licensee or of any of his employees.
(2) Citations issued by local, state, or federal authorities, to the licensee or any of his employees.
(3) Indictments, presentments, or accusations in any local, state, or federal courts against the
licensee or any of his employees.
(4) Conviction of, or penalties imposed pursuant to a plea of nolo contendere or non-vult against,
the licensee or any of his employees in any local, state, or federal court.
(5) Penalties imposed by any regulatory agency against the licensee or any of his employees.
(6) Any other written charges or reprimands by local, state, or federal authorities.
(b) Any licensee who has any disciplinary action taken against him or his employees by
any authority, either municipal, county, state or federal, shall notify the Augusta-Richmond County
Commission in writing within forty-eight (48) hours of such action, and of the disposition of any charges
or the time and place where such charges will be heard. Any licensee who fails to so notify the
Commission within the prescribed time may be cited before the Commission to show cause why his
license shall not be suspended or revoked. Notice shall be sent to the Commission, c/o Director of
Planning and Development, P.O. Box 9270, Augusta, Georgia 30906.
(c) Reporting requirements for Alcohol Licensees and Municipal Governments.
(1) Within 45 days of any disciplinary action, the licensee shall notify the Department of Revenue
of the details of such disciplinary action, including the date such action was taken, the nature of such
action, and any other information required by the Department of Revenue.
(2) The State Revenue Commissioner may impose a fine not to exceed $750.00 for each instance
of non-reporting. A second or subsequent instance of non-reporting which occurs within three years from
the date of the first violation may constitute grounds for the suspension, revocation, or cancellation of
such person’s license.
(3) The Planning & Development Department shall report any disciplinary action to the
Department of Revenue within 45 days of any officer, department, or agency taking such disciplinary
action.
Sec. 6-2-14. Hours of sale.
(a) Generally. Any and all holders of licenses under the authority of this Ordinance
shall observe the following schedule of hours of operation, which shall be determined by Eastern
Standard Time or daylight savings time, whichever is in effect:
(1) Holders of Class A, C, E, G H, I, J, K, L, M, and N licenses (on-premises consumption of
Beer, Wine and Liquor, Brewpubs, Brewery, Micro Brewery, Nano Brewery, Pico Brewery,
Distillery, Nano Distillery, and Pico Distillery) shall not open for business earlier than 8:00 a.m.
Monday through Friday and may serve any authorized alcoholic beverage until 2:30 a.m. on the
next following day; provided, further that said premises shall be vacated of all persons, including
employees, by no later than 3:00 a.m. On Saturday, consumption on-premises license holders
shall not open for business earlier than 8:00 a.m. and may serve authorized alcoholic beverages
until 11:55 p.m. on Saturdays and the two (2) hours immediately following such time; provided,
further, that said premises shall be vacated of all persons, including employees, by no later than
2:30 a.m. on Sunday. Where the sale of alcoholic beverages is in conjunction with the sale
of food, the aforesaid hours of sale shall be applicable only to the sale of alcoholic
beverages and not applicable to the sale of food; provided, however, no alcoholic
beverage shall be allowed to remain on any bars, tables, or be in possession of patrons
after 3:00 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 2:30 a.m. Sunday, and the inventory of
alcoholic beverages must be secured as described in section 6-2-17 of this Ordinance.
(2) Holders of a Class F license (off-premises consumption of liquor) shall not open for business
earlier than 8:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday and may remain open for business until 11:45
p.m. Monday through Saturday. Holders of a Class F license (off-premises consumption of
liquor) shall not open for business earlier than 12:30 p.m. on Sunday and may remain open for
business until 11:30 p.m. on Sunday.
(3) Holders of Class B and D licenses (off-premises consumption of beer and wine) who are not
licensed to sell liquor shall be prohibited from selling beer and/or wine only between the hours of
11:45 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday and between 11:30 p.m. on Sunday and 6:00 a.m.
on the Monday next following.
(4) No licensee, employee of such licensee, or any person acting on behalf of such licensee shall
furnish, or give beverage alcohol to any person on any day or at any time when the sale of same is
prohibited by law.
Sec. 6-2-19. Furnishing to minors - Prohibited.
(a) Except as otherwise authorized by law:
(1) No person knowingly, directly or through another person, shall furnish, cause to be furnished,
or permit any person in such person's employ to furnish any alcoholic beverage to any person
under twenty-one (21) years of age;
(2) No person under twenty-one (21) years of age shall purchase or knowingly possess any
alcoholic beverage;
(3) No person under twenty-one (21) years of age shall misrepresent such
person's age in any manner whatever for the purpose of obtaining illegally any alcoholic
beverage; and
(4) No person knowingly or intentionally shall act as an agent to purchase or acquire any
alcoholic beverage for, or on behalf of, a person under twenty-one (21) years of age.
(b) The prohibitions contained in paragraphs (1), (2) and (4) of subsection (a) of this section shall not
apply with respect to the sale, purchase or possession of alcoholic beverages for consumption:
(1) For medical purposes pursuant to a prescription of a physician duly authorized to practice
medicine in this state;
(2) At a religious ceremony; or
(3) In the home of the parent or guardian, with the parent or guardian present.
(c) The prohibition contained in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply with
respect to sale of an alcoholic beverage by a person when such person has been furnished with proper
identification showing that the person to whom the alcoholic beverage is sold is twenty-one (21) years of
age or older. For purposes of this subsection, the term proper identification means any document issued
by a governmental agency containing a description of the person, such person's photograph, or both, and
giving such person's date of birth and including, without being limited to, a passport, military
identification card, driver's license, or an identification card authorized under 0.C.G.A. Sec. 40-5-100
through Sec. 40-5-104. Proper identification shall not include a birth certificate nor a traffic citation.
(d) If such conduct is not otherwise prohibited pursuant to section 6-2-26 nothing contained in this
section shall be construed to prohibit any person under twenty-one (21) years of age from:
(1) Dispensing, serving, selling or handling alcoholic beverages as a part of employment in any
licensed establishment restaurant as defined in Section 6-2-2.
(2) Being employed in any establishment in which alcoholic beverages are distilled or
manufactured;
(3) Taking orders for and having possession of alcoholic beverages as a part of employment in a
licensed establishment restaurant as defined in Section 6-2-2.
(e) Each retail business establishment in Augusta-Richmond County which is licensed to sell
alcoholic beverages of any kind shall post in a conspicuous place or places a notice which shall contain
the provisions of the laws of this state which deal with the unlawful sale of such items to underage
persons and the penalties for violating such laws.
(f) No person who holds a license or is responsible for the day-to-day operation of an establishment
holding a license permitting the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption shall employ
any individual under the age of 21, or allow any individual under the age of 21 to be in, frequent or loiter
about the licensed premises unless such individual is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian except as
provided herein. This prohibition shall apply regardless of whether or not said establishment on said date
or time is operating for the purpose of the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, and
regardless of what other type of license or business tax certificate said establishment may have. This
section shall not prohibit individuals under the age of 21 from being in a qualified eating establishment or
entertainment venue as defined in this Ordinance or attending a special event for which a license for a
single event is issued pursuant to this Ordinance, and does not apply to such individuals who are
employees of the licensee with assigned duties in the licensed premises.
Sec. 6-2-26. Employment of persons under eighteen years of age prohibited.
(a) In establishments holding a license permitting the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises
consumption that do not prohibit individuals under the age of 21 from entering, no person shall allow or
require a person in his employment under eighteen (18) years of age to dispense, serve, sell or take orders
for any alcoholic beverages.
(b) This section shall not prohibit persons under eighteen (18) years of age who are employed in
supermarkets, convenience stores, breweries or drugstores from selling or handling alcoholic beverages
which are sold for consumption off the premises.
Sec. 6-2-51. License required.
(a) No alcoholic beverage may be sold, possessed for sale, or distributed in Augusta-Richmond
County, other than in the City of Hephzibah or the City of Blythe if said municipalities legally authorize
same, except under a license granted by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission.
(b) Licenses granted hereunder shall fall into one or more of the following classes:
(1) Class A: On-premises consumption of beer
(2) Class B: Off-premises consumption of beer
(3) Class C: On-premises consumption of wine
(4) Class D: Off-premises consumption of wine
(5) Class E: On-premises consumption of liquor
(6) Class F: Off-premises consumption of liquor
(7) Class G: Brewery, Manufacturer of Malt Beverages
(8) Class H: Brewpub Operator
(9) Class I: Micro Brewery
(10) Class J: Nano Brewery
(11) Class K: Pico Brewery
(12) Class L: Distillery
(13) Class M: Nano Distillery
(14) Class N: Pico Distillery
(15) Wholesale Beer
(16) Wholesale Wine
(17) Wholesale Liquor
(18) Sunday Sales
Sec. 6-2-53. Licenses for brewpub, brewery, micro brewery, nano brewery and pico brewery;
Licenses for distillery, nano distillery, and pico distillery .
1. Licenses for brewpub, brewery, micro brewery, nano brewery and pico brewery;
Required. No individual shall be permitted to own or operate a brewery, micro brewery, nano brewery,
pico brewery or brewpub without first complying with Zoning regulations, obtaining a proper license
from the Augusta-Richmond County Commission, and paying the Occupation Tax. Each brewery and
brewpub license holder shall comply with all other applicable federal, state and local license
requirements.
A) Brewpub. Any eating establishment in which beer or malt beverages are manufactured or
brewed, subject to the barrel production limitation prescribed in O.C.G.A. § 3-5-36, for retail
consumption on the premises and solely in draft form. As used herein, the term eating establishment
means an establishment which is licensed to sell distilled spirits, malt beverages, or wines and
which derives at least fifty percent (50%) of its total annual gross food and beverages sales from the
sale of prepared meals or food on premises.
(a) A brewpub license authorizes the holder of such license to:
i). Manufacture on the licensed premises not more than 5,000 barrels of beer in a calendar
year solely for retail sale on the premises and solely in draft form; and on the licensed
premises not more than 10,000 barrels of malt beverages in a calendar year solely for
retail sale.
ii). Sell up to a maximum of 5,000 barrels annually of such malt beverages to licensed
wholesale dealers.
iii). Sell retail up to 64 ounces per person per day of draft beer brewed on site at the
brewpub for off-premise consumption.
iv). Operate an eating establishment, that shall be the sole retail outlet for the sale of such
beer, and may offer for sale any other alcoholic beverages produced by other
manufacturers which are authorized for retail sale under licenses issued by the Augusta-
Richmond County Commission, including wine, distilled spirits, and malt beverages,
provided that such alcoholic beverages are purchased from a licensed wholesaler for
consumption on the premises only; and, provided, further, that in addition to draft beer
manufactured on the premises, each brewpub licensee shall offer for sale commercially
available canned or bottled malt beverages from licensed wholesalers.
(b) Possession of a brewpub license shall not prevent the holder of such license from
obtaining a retail consumption dealer's license or a retailer's license an on premise
consumption license for liquor, beer and wine for the same premises.
(c) A brewpub license does not authorize the holder of such license to sell alcoholic
beverages, not produced on the premises, by the package for consumption off the
premises.
(d) A brewpub licensee shall not offer or permit any free sampling of beer by its customers
on the premises of a brewpub.
(e) A brewpub licensee shall:
i). Pay all state and local license fees and excise taxes applicable to individuals licensed
as manufacturers, retailers, and, where applicable, wholesalers under this title; and
ii). Measure beer manufactured on the premises and otherwise comply with applicable
regulations respecting excise and enforcement tax determination of such beer as required
by Georgia law and the Ordinances of Augusta-Richmond County.
B) Brewery shall mean a large or industrial scale manufacturer of alcoholic malt
beverages for the purpose of wholesale distribution. The applicant for a brewery license
shall comply with Section 6-2-53 (a).
(a) A brewery license authorizes the holder of such license to:
i). Manufacture on the licensed premises malt beverages for wholesale distribution.
ii). Sell malt beverages produced on site for on-premise consumption.
iii). Sell up to 288 ounces per person per day of the malt beverage brewed on site for off-
premise consumption.
(b) A brewery licensee shall:
i). Pay all state and local license fees and excise taxes applicable to individuals licensed
as manufacturers, retailers, and, where applicable, wholesalers under this title; and
ii). Measure beer manufactured on the premises and otherwise comply with applicable
regulations respecting excise and enforcement tax determination of such beer as required
by Georgia law and the Ordinances of Augusta-Richmond County.
C) Micro Brewery shall mean a manufacture of alcoholic malt beverages of up to 15,000
barrels per year.
(a) A micro brewery license authorizes the holder of such license to:
i). Manufacture on the licensed premises not more than 15,000 barrels of malt beverages
in a calendar year for wholesale distribution.
ii). Sell malt beverages produced on site for on-premise consumption.
iii). Sell up to 288 ounces per person per day of the malt beverage brewed on site for off-
premise consumption.
(b) A micro brewery licensee shall:
i). Pay all state and local license fees and excise taxes applicable to individuals licensed
as manufacturers, retailers, and, where applicable, wholesalers under this title; and
ii). Measure beer manufactured on the premises and otherwise comply with applicable
regulations respecting excise and enforcement tax determination of such beer as required
by Georgia law and the Ordinances of Augusta-Richmond County.
D) Nano Brewery shall mean a producer of alcoholic malt beverages of up to 3,000 barrels
per year.
(a) A nano brewery license authorizes the holder of such license to:
i). Manufacture on the licensed premises not more than 3,000 barrels of malt beverages in
a calendar year for wholesale distribution.
ii). Sell malt beverages produced on site for on-premise consumption.
iii). Sell up to 288 ounces per person per day of the malt beverage brewed on site for off-
premise consumption.
(b) A nano brewery licensee shall:
i). Pay all state and local license fees and excise taxes applicable to individuals licensed
as manufacturers, retailers, and, where applicable, wholesalers under this title; and
ii). Measure beer manufactured on the premises and otherwise comply with applicable
regulations respecting excise and enforcement tax determination of such beer as required
by Georgia law and the Ordinances of Augusta-Richmond County.
E) Pico Brewery shall mean a small batch producer of alcoholic malt beverages of up to
500 barrels per year.
(a) A pico brewery license authorizes the holder of such license to:
i). Manufacture on the licensed premises not more than 500 barrels of malt beverages in a
calendar year for wholesale distribution.
ii). Sell malt beverages produced on site for on-premise consumption.
iii). Sell up to 288 ounces per person per day of the malt beverage brewed on site for off-
premise consumption.
(b) A pico brewery licensee shall:
i). Pay all state and local license fees and excise taxes applicable to individuals licensed
as manufacturers, retailers, and, where applicable, wholesalers under this title; and
ii). Measure beer manufactured on the premises and otherwise comply with applicable
regulations respecting excise and enforcement tax determination of such beer as required
by Georgia law and the Ordinances of Augusta-Richmond County.
2. Licenses for distillery, nano distillery, and pico distillery.
Required. No individual shall be permitted to own or operate a distillery, nano distillery or pico distillery
without first complying with Zoning regulations, obtaining a proper license from the Augusta-Richmond
County Commission, and paying the Occupation Tax. Each distillery, nano distillery or pico distillery
license holder shall comply with all other applicable federal, state and local license requirements.
A) Distillery shall mean a large or industrial scale manufacturer of alcoholic distilled
spirits for the purpose of wholesale distribution. Such use must be connected to public
water and sewer.
B) Nano Distillery shall mean a producer of alcoholic distilled spirits of up to 500 barrels
per year.
(a) A nano distillery license authorizes the holder of such license to:
i). Manufacture on the licensed premises not more than 500 barrels of distilled spirits in a
calendar year for wholesale distribution.
ii). Sell distilled spirits produced on site for on-premise consumption.
iii). Sell up to 3 bottles (750 ml) per person per day of the distilled spirits produced
on site for off-premise consumption.
(b) A nano distillery licensee shall:
i). Pay all federal, state and local license fees and excise taxes applicable to individuals
licensed as manufacturers, retailers, and, where applicable, wholesalers under this title;
and
ii). Measure distilled spirits produced on the premises and otherwise comply with
applicable regulations respecting excise and enforcement tax determination of such
distilled spirits as required by Federal law, Georgia law and the Ordinances of Augusta-
Richmond County.
C) Pico Distillery shall mean a small batch producer of alcoholic distilled spirits of up to
100 barrels per year.
(a) A pico distillery license authorizes the holder of such license to:
i). Manufacture on the licensed premises not more than 100 barrels of distilled spirits in a
calendar year for wholesale distribution.
ii). Sell distilled spirits produced on site for on-premise consumption.
iii).Sell up to 3 bottles (750 ml) per person per day of the distilled spirits produced
on site for off-premise consumption.
(b) A pico distillery licensee shall:
i). Pay all federal, state and local license fees and excise taxes applicable to individuals
licensed as manufacturers, retailers, and, where applicable, wholesalers under this title;
and
ii. Measure distilled spirits produced on the premises and otherwise comply with
applicable regulations respecting excise and enforcement tax determination of such
distilled spirits as required by Federal law, Georgia law and the Ordinances of Augusta-
Richmond County.
3. Hours of Sale: On-Premise Consumption and Off-Premise Consumption
See Section 6-2-14 and 6-2-15.
Sec. 6-2-67. License fee.
(a) When due and payable. When a license has been approved and granted, the same shall be paid
for by certified check, cashier's check or money order for the full amount of the license fee.
(b) Amount. Each applicant shall pay a license fee as set out herein:
(Fees are subject to change / contact the Planning & Development Department for the current fee
schedule.)
Retail and Wholesale: Fee
(1) Class A: Consumption on-premises beer $625.00 - $665.00
(2) Class B: Retail beer $665.00
(3) Class C: Consumption on-premises wine $625.00 - $665.00
(4) Class D: Retail wine $665.00
(5) Class E: Consumption on-premises liquor $3,115.00 - $3,330.00
(6) Class F: Retail liquor $3,330.00
(7) Class G: Brewery, Manufacturer of Malt Beverages $665.00 $1,000.00
(8) Class H: Brewpub Operator $665.00 $1,000.00
(9) Class I: Micro Brewery $1,000.00
(10) Class J: Nano Brewery $1,000.00
(11) Class K: Pico Brewery $1,000.00
(12) Class L: Distillery $1,500.00
(13) Class M: Nano Distillery $1,500.00
(14) Class N: Pico Distillery $1,500.00
(15) Wholesale liquor $6,050.00
(16) Wholesale beer $665.00
(17) Wholesale wine $135.00
(18) Sunday sales $1,245 - $1,330.00
(19) Alcohol Catering $340.00 - $365.00 $365.00 (flat fee)
(20) Second Alcohol License $625.00 - $665.00
Restaurants and Bars (On-premise consumption)
Occupancy Load / Fee
1 – 100 101 – 200 201 – 300 301+
Beer $625 $635 $650 $665
Wine $625 $635 $650 $665
Liquor $3115 $3175 $3235 $3330
Sunday Sales $1245 $1270 $1295 $1330
Alc. Catering $340 $345 $355 $365
Second Alcohol Lic. $625 $635 $650 $665
Sunday Sales Single $250 $275 $300 $325
Event Restaurant and Bars
(c) Proration. The full license fee must be paid for a license issued prior to July 1 of the license year.
One-half (1/2) of the full license fee shall be paid for a license issued after July 1 of the license year.
(d) Refund. In case of the revocation or surrender of such license before the expiration of the
calendar year, the holder thereof shall not be entitled to receive any refund whatsoever.
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Augusta Alcohol Ordinance
Proposed Amendments April 11, 2018
(Alcohol Ordinance amended micro breweries, etc 20180411)
Chapter
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
ARTICLE 1
IN GENERAL
Sec. 6-2-1. Purposes.
This Chapter has been enacted in accordance with a plan designed for the purposes, among others, of
promoting the health and general welfare of the community, to establish reasonable and ascertainable
standards for the regulation and control of the licensing and sale of alcoholic beverages and operation of
bottle houses, to protect and preserve schools and churches, to give effect to existing land use and to
preserve certain residential areas, with reasonable consideration, among others, to the character of the
areas and their peculiar suitability for particular uses, the congestion in the roads and streets, and with a
general view of promoting desirable living conditions and sustaining stability of neighborhood and
property values, and to protect against the evils of concentration of the retail outlets for whiskey in one
(1) family or to prevent undesirable persons from engaging in or having any interest in alcoholic
beverages.
Sec. 6-2-2. Definitions.
The following are definitions of terms as used in this Chapter:
(a) Alcohol. Ethyl alcohol, hydrated oxide of ethyl, or spirits of wine, from whatever source or by
whatever process produced.
(b) Alcoholic beverage. Alcoholic beverage includes all drinks or beverages containing alcohol,
including, but not limited to, distilled spirits, beer, malt beverage, wine or fortified wine.
(c) Alcoholic Treatment Center: Any state owned or state operated hospital, community mental health
center, or other facility utilized for the diagnosis, care, treatment, or hospitalization of persons who are
alcoholics and any other hospital or facility within the State of Georgia approved for such purpose by the
department, including the buildings and the surrounding property or campus directly incorporated into such
use.
(d) Bar/ Pub: An established place of business which is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for
consumption on the premises and may serve meals to be consumed on the premises and which also may
provide live entertainment or contests involving strength or skill and may provide electronic games or
pool tables.
(e) Beer. Malt beverage obtained by the fermentation of any infusion or decoction of barley, malt, hops,
or any other similar product, or any combination of such products in water containing not more than
fourteen percent (14%) Alcohol by volume and including ale, porter, brown, stout, lager beer, and strong
beer. This term does not include sake, known as Japanese rice wine.
(f) Brewery shall mean a large or industrial scale manufacturer of alcoholic malt beverages for the
purpose of wholesale distribution. Such use must be connected to public water and sewer.
(g) Brewpub shall mean a restaurant that produces a limited quantity of an alcoholic malt beverage for on-
site consumption with incidental sales to the public as carryout and is consistent with Section 6-2-52 of
the Augusta Georgia Code thereby regulating alcohol licenses for eating establishments. Such use must be
connected to public water and sewer.
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Augusta Alcohol Ordinance
Proposed Amendments April 11, 2018
(Alcohol Ordinance amended micro breweries, etc 20180411)
(h) Caterer - Licensed alcoholic beverage caterer. Any retail dealer who has been licensed by Augusta,
Georgia pursuant to this chapter and pursuant to Georgia law.
(i) Church: A permanent building owned and operated exclusively by a religious organization and publicly
designated a church where persons regularly assemble for religious worship. The minimum distance
requirements from church buildings shall not apply to space in a shopping center or residences also used
for religious purposes.
(j) Dinner theater: An established place of business that is defined as a restaurant as in section 6-2-2(u)
with the exception that a fee may be collected upon entrance to the business which provides theatrical
entertainment during the course of the meal.
(k) Director of Planning and Development. The person named as director of the Augusta Planning and
Development Department, or any designated representative thereof.
(l) Distillery shall mean a large or industrial scale manufacturer of alcoholic distilled spirits for the
purpose of wholesale distribution. Such use must be connected to public water and sewer.
(m) Distributor shall mean the manufacturer’s direct point of contact for prospective buyers of certain
products.
(n) Drinking alcohol on city streets prohibited. Except as provided in paragraph (1) below, it shall be
unlawful for any licensed establishment to dispense any alcoholic beverage in an open container for removal
from the premises, and it shall be unlawful for any person to remove from an alcoholic beverage
establishment any open container of alcoholic beverage or to drink or attempt to drink any alcoholic
beverage from any open container or to possess in any open container any alcoholic beverage on the streets,
sidewalks, rights-of-way, and parking lots, whether public or private, within the limits of Augusta, Georgia.
(1) Outside consumption of alcoholic beverage permitted in certain area; Restaurants (eating
establishments) as defined in Section 6-2-52 that have complied with Augusta-Richmond County
Code Section 3-8-11 (a)(b) Sidewalk Encroachments, may allow customers to consume an
alcoholic beverage at the outside table while dining.
(o) Entertainment Venue shall mean an establishment which is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for
consumption on the premises and which derives at least 50 percent of its total annual gross entertainment
and beverages sales from the sale of entertainment admission tickets, and shall further mean an
entertainment venue meeting criteria for license eligibility provided in section 6-2-52.
(p) Fortified Wines shall mean any alcoholic beverage containing more than twenty-one percent (21%)
Alcohol by volume made from fruits, berries, or grapes either by natural fermentation or by natural
fermentation with brandy added. The term includes, but is not limited to, brandy.
(q) Growler. The term growler shall mean a glass or ceramic bottle or jug not to exceed 64 ounces that is
filled by a licensee or employee of a licensee with beer from a keg and securely sealed for off-premises
consumption. Growlers may only be filled from kegs procured by the licensee from a duly licensed
wholesaler and the filling of growlers by means of a tapped keg shall not constitute the breaking of a
package as contemplated by O.C.G.A. § 3-3-26 and they cannot be in the possession or control of retailer
selling distilled spirits by the package.
(r) Hotel: A building or other structure kept, used, maintained, advertised and held out to the public to be a
place where sleeping accommodations are offered for adequate pay to travelers and guests, whether
transient, permanent or residential, in which 50 or more rooms are used for the sleeping accommodations
of such guests, such sleeping accommodations being conducted in the same building or in separate buildings
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Augusta Alcohol Ordinance
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or structures used in connection therewith that are on the same premises and are a part of the hotel operation.
Motels meeting the qualifications set out in this definition for hotels shall be classified in the same category
as hotels.
(s) Housing Authority Property means any property containing 300 housing units or fewer owned or
operated by a housing authority created by Article 1 of Chapter 3 of Title 8, the “Housing Authorities Law”.
(t) Liquor. Distilled spirits, which means any alcoholic beverage obtained by distillation or containing
more than 21% alcohol by volume, including but not limited to all fortified wines.
(u) Liquor Store shall mean a retail outlet for the purpose of the sale of alcoholic beverages to include
beer, wine and spirits.
(v) Lounge means a separate room connected with a part of and, adjacent to a restaurant or located in a
hotel.
(w) Main entrance door/ front door means the principal entrance by which access may be obtained to the
operational area of a structure.
(x) Micro Brewery shall mean a manufacture of alcoholic malt beverages of up to 15,000 barrels per year
for the purpose of wholesale distribution of a majority of its product with incidental sales to the public
either for on-site consumption or for carryout not to exceed 288 ounces per person per day. (No restaurant
component)
(y) Nightclub shall mean an established place of business which is licensed to serve alcoholic beverages for
consumption on the premises (the sale of alcoholic beverages being the dominant part of its business) and
which also may provide live entertainment.
(z) Nano Brewery shall mean a producer of alcoholic malt beverages of up to 3,000 barrels per year for
the purpose of wholesale distribution and retail sales to the public for on-site consumption or for carryout
not to exceed 288 ounces per person per day. (No restaurant component)
(aa) Nano Distillery shall mean a producer of alcoholic distilled spirits of up to 500 barrels per year for
the purpose of wholesale distribution and retail sales to the public for on-site consumption or for carryout
not to exceed 3 bottles (750 ml) per person per day. (No restaurant component)
(bb) Off-premises consumption. The sale of alcoholic beverages in unbroken packages for consumption in
a location other than the licensed premises.
(cc) On-premises consumption. The sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink or in broken packages for
consumption on the licensed premises.
(dd) Pico Brewery shall mean a small batch producer of alcoholic malt beverages of up to 500 barrels per
year for the purpose of retail sales to the public for on-site consumption or for carryout not to exceed 288
ounces per person per day. (No restaurant component)
(ee) Pico Distillery shall mean a small batch producer of alcoholic distilled spirits of up to 100 barrels per
year for the purpose of retail sales to the public for on-site consumption or for carryout not to exceed 3
bottles (750 ml) per person per day. Such use must be connected to public water and sewer. (No
restaurant component)
(ff) Premises. One physical identifiable place of business consisting of one room, or two or more
contiguous rooms operating under the same trade name where distilled spirits by the drink are sold. On
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Augusta Alcohol Ordinance
Proposed Amendments April 11, 2018
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premises outlets which cannot be determine as one identifiable place of business shall require additional
licenses regardless of such establishments having the same trade name, ownership, or management;
provided nothing herein shall require additional licenses for service bars, or portable bars used
exclusively for the purpose of mixing or preparing such drinks when such bars are accessible only to
employees of the licensed establishment and from which drinks are prepared to be served in the licensed
premises. Premises shall not include common facilities located in a shopping center area.
(gg) Package. A bottle, can or other original consumer container.
(hh) Private club means any nonprofit corporation or association organized under the laws of this state
which:
(1) Has been in existence at least one year prior to filing an application for a license;
(2) Has at least 75 regular dues-paying members; and
(3) Owns, hires or leases a building or space within a building for the reasonable use of its members,
which building or space:
a. Has suitable kitchen and dining room space and equipment;
b. Is staffed with a sufficient number of employees for cooking, preparing and serving meals
for its members and guests; and
c. Has no member, officer, agent or employee directly or indirectly receiving, in the form of
salary or other compensation, any profits for the sale of alcoholic beverages beyond a "fixed
salary," as such term is defined in O.C.G.A. § 3-7-1, as amended from time to time.
(ii) Restaurant: An established place of business:
(1) Which is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises but promotes the
sale of prepared food as a dominant part of the business;
(2) Which has adequate facilities and sufficient employees for cooking or preparing and serving such
meals for consumption at tables in dining rooms on the premises and a seating capacity of at least 40
people;
(3) Which derives at least 50 percent of its gross food and beverage income from the sale of such
meals prepared, served, and consumed on the premises;
(4) Which charges no fee for admission or contests nor allows an independent individual to charge
fees for admission or contests on the premises;
(5) Which serves food during all hours of operation.
(6) Not withstanding any other criterion in this section, licensees operating as Hybrid Restaurants
may elect to operate as a bar and may charge after 9:00 p.m. cover charges for live entertainment and
contests not adult oriented in nature subject to Section 6-2-52, provided that the licensee obtains a
certificate from the Fire Marshall which states the maximum occupancy limits during restaurant
operations and the maximum occupancy limit once food service stops and the restaurant functions as
a bar, and they meet all of the distance criteria in sections 6-2-64 and the 50 percent food sales
criterion of subsection (3) of this section and provided further that no persons under the legal
drinking age of 21 shall be allowed after the time such licensees begin to charge a cover charge
and provided that licensees post a sign which is visible upon entry to the establishment which shall
read "This establishment may charge a cover charge after 9:00 p.m. and no persons under the legal
drinking age of 21 shall be allowed on the premises after 9:00 p.m. as per Section 6-2-2(w)(7) of the
Augusta, Georgia Code." and upon initial application with the Planning and Development Department
or upon annual renewal the licensee must indicate the intent to charge a cover charge under this
section. Failure to declare the intent to charge a cover charge may result in revocation of the alcoholic
beverage license. Restaurants which elect to charge a covercharge are required to pay an annual
regulatory fee as required is Section 2-1-3 (c ) of the Augusta-Richmond County Code.
(jj) Retail sale. The sale of alcoholic beverages either in unbroken packages or for consumption on the
premises, only to consumers and not for re-sale.
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(kk) Wine. Any alcoholic beverage containing not more than 21% alcohol by volume, made from
fruits, berries or grapes, either by natural fermentation or by natural fermentation with brandy added.
The term includes but is not limited to, all sparkling wines, champagnes, combinations of such
beverages, vermouths, special natural wines, rectified wines, and like products. The term does not
include cooking wine mixed with salt or other ingredients so as to render it unfit for human consumption
as a beverage.
(ll) Wholesaler shall mean person or firm that buys large quantities of goods from various producers and
resells them to retailers.
(mm) Wine Tasting as regulated under Georgia State Alcohol regulations Section 560-2-9-.01, and
Section 6-2-77 of the Augusta, Georgia Alcohol Ordinance. An application for a Wine Tasting in an
establishment with a current Retail Wine License shall be approved by the Director of Planning &
Development.
(Fees are subject to change / contact the Planning & Development Department for the current fee
schedule.)
Sec. 6-2-3. Sale a privilege, not a right.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as giving a person a right to sell alcoholic beverages, but the
manufacture, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages is declared to be a privilege in this state and in
Augusta-Richmond County. All alcoholic beverage licenses or permits issued hereunder to carry out such
business during the term of the license is subject to all terms and conditions imposed by this chapter and
related laws and other ordinances of Augusta Georgia relating to such business, as amended from time to
time by the Mayor and Commission.
Sec. 6-2-4. In general.
It shall be unlawful for any person, corporation, partnership, association or any other entity, unless
specifically exempt under this Ordinance, to engage in any of the following activities:
(a)To drink, serve or offer for drinking or have possession for sale or distribution, any type of
alcoholic beverage in any Augusta-Richmond County park, playground or building without a license and
business tax certificate.
(b) To sell or offer for sale, or serve for remuneration whether the payment is direct or indirect, any
alcoholic beverage at retail or wholesale without a license and business tax certificate.
(c) To engage in any act involving the sale, service or consumption of alcoholic beverages
prohibited by laws of the State of Georgia.
(d) To violate any of the provisions of this chapter.
Sec. 6-2-5. Consumption at parks, playgrounds, public streets and public areas owned or operated
by Augusta.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to serve, to consume or offer for the purpose
of consumption to anyone else or to be in possession of beer, wine, or any type of intoxicating liquor or
beverages, in and on any public park, playground, or building thereon, or other public area, owned or
operated by Augusta, at any time whatsoever, with the exception of Julian Smith Casino, Julian Smith
Park Barbecue Pit, Fleming Park Community Center, Reynolds Park, Jamestown Community Center,
Hephzibah Community Center and McBean Community Center, May Park, Brigham Center, Savannah
Place, Warren Road Community Center, New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam Recreation Area, Gracewood
Community Center, McDuffie Wood, Diamond Lakes Community Center, Bernie Ward Community
Center, Blythe Area Recreation Center, The Boathouse, Old Government House, Minnick Park, Augusta
Municipal Golf Course, Eastview Park and Doughty Park, Sandhills Recreation Center, Augusta
Common, 8th Street Plaza, Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, Daniel Field Airport or any other
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recreational facility or property owned, controlled, or maintained by Augusta, except in accordance with
subsection (b), (c), (d) and (e) below, or otherwise provided by the Augusta-Richmond County Code or
Georgia law.
(b) Prior written approval must be obtained from the Sheriff of Richmond County,
Georgia, and the Director of the Recreation Department, when alcoholic beverages are served or
consumed at Julian Smith Casino, Julian Smith Park Barbecue Pit, Fleming Park Community Center,
Reynolds Park, Jamestown Community Center, Hephzibah Community Center and McBean Community
Center, May Park, Brigham Center, Savannah Place, Warren Road Community Center, New Savannah
Bluff Lock & Dam Recreation Area, Gracewood Community Center, McDuffie Wood, Diamond Lakes
Community Center, Bernie Ward Community Center, Blythe Area Recreation Center, The Boathouse,
Old Government House, Minnick Park, Augusta Municipal Golf Course, Eastview Park and Doughty
Park, Sandhills Recreation Center, Augusta Common, 8th Street Plaza, or any other recreational facility
or property owned, controlled, or maintained by Augusta.
(c) Prior written approval must be obtained from the Sheriff of Richmond County,
Georgia and the Director of Riverwalk, when alcoholic beverages are served or consumed at Augusta
Common or the 8th Street Plaza.
(d) Prior written approval must be obtained from the Sheriff of Richmond County,
Georgia and the Augusta Canal Authority when alcoholic beverages are served or consumed at Augusta
Canal National Heritage Area.
(e) Prior written approval must be obtained from the Sheriff of Richmond County,
Georgia and the Daniel Field General Aviation Commission when alcoholic beverages are served or
consumed at Daniel Field.
(f) It shall be unlawful for any person to serve, to consume or offer for the purpose of
consumption to anyone else or to be in possession of beer, wine, or any type of intoxicating liquor or
beverages, in an open container, cup, or glass, on any public street, sidewalk, alley, or other public area,
owned or operated by Augusta, at any time whatsoever, except in accordance with subsection (b),(c), (d)
and (e) above, or otherwise provided by the Augusta-Richmond County Code or Georgia law.
Sec. 6-2-6. Right of Augusta-Richmond County officials to enter premises for enforcement
purposes.
Agents and inspectors appointed by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission for the enforcement of
this Ordinance, including officers of the Richmond County Sheriff's Department, are empowered and
authorized to enter upon the premises of any person or entity engaged in the manufacture, sale,
distribution, storage, or transportation of alcoholic beverages and liquors at any time for the purpose of
inspecting said premises and shall have access during such inspection to all books, records, and supplies
relating to the manufacture, sale, distribution, storage, and transportation of alcoholic beverages and
liquors.
Sec. 6-2-7. Notice to Augusta-Richmond County and Georgia Department of Revenue of Revenue of
disciplinary action against licensee.
(a) Disciplinary action as used herein means any action taken by any municipal, county,
state, or federal agency against the licensee, his employees, or his place of business, including, but not
limited to:
(1) Arrest by local, state, or federal authorities of the licensee or of any of his employees.
(2) Citations issued by local, state, or federal authorities, to the licensee or any of his employees.
(3) Indictments, presentments, or accusations in any local, state, or federal courts against the
licensee or any of his employees.
(4) Conviction of, or penalties imposed pursuant to a plea of nolo contendere or non-vult against,
the licensee or any of his employees in any local, state, or federal court.
(5) Penalties imposed by any regulatory agency against the licensee or any of his employees.
(6) Any other written charges or reprimands by local, state, or federal authorities.
(b) Any licensee who has any disciplinary action taken against him or his employees by
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any authority, either municipal, county, state or federal, shall notify the Augusta-Richmond County
Commission in writing within forty-eight (48) hours of such action, and of the disposition of any charges
or the time and place where such charges will be heard. Any licensee who fails to so notify the
Commission within the prescribed time may be cited before the Commission to show cause why his
license shall not be suspended or revoked. Notice shall be sent to the Commission, c/o Director of
Planning and Development, P.O. Box 9270, Augusta, Georgia 30906.
(c) Reporting requirements for Alcohol Licensees and Municipal Governments.
(1) Within 45 days of any disciplinary action, the licensee shall notify the Department of Revenue
of the details of such disciplinary action, including the date such action was taken, the nature of such
action, and any other information required by the Department of Revenue.
(2) The State Revenue Commissioner may impose a fine not to exceed $750.00 for each instance
of non-reporting. A second or subsequent instance of non-reporting which occurs within three years from
the date of the first violation may constitute grounds for the suspension, revocation, or cancellation of
such person’s license.
(3) The Planning & Development Department shall report any disciplinary action to the
Department of Revenue within 45 days of any officer, department, or agency taking such disciplinary
action.
Sec. 6-2-8. Days sales allowed.
(a) Off-Premise Consumption licensees hereunder may permit the sale of packaged
alcoholic beverages seven-days a week as provided in sections 6-2-14. Furthermore, no liquor store may
be open Christmas Day.
(b) Election days. Pursuant to the delegation of authority granted to Richmond County by Act No.
750 (House Bill No. 247) approved April 10, 1985, amending Official Code of Georgia Annotated section
3-3-20(b)(B), the sale by wholesale and retail of alcoholic beverages, to wit: distilled spirits, wine and
malt beverages, shall be lawful during the polling hours of any election; however, nothing herein shall
authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages within two hundred fifty (250) feet of a polling place during
such time as the polls are opened.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no alcoholic beverages of any kind shall be sold during any day or
part of the day when the sale of said alcoholic beverage is prohibited by state law.
(d) On all days and times that the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited by state law,
consumption-on-premises licensees shall not open for any purposes (except as provided in sections 6-2-
15, 6-2-16, 6-2-52, and 6-2-77) except with the prior written permission and consent of the Richmond
County Sheriff's Department for maintenance or similar purposes.
Sec. 6-2-9. Reading of regulations required.
No person shall be approved for a license hereunder, unless such person shall have read the Augusta-
Richmond County wine, beer and whiskey regulations in full text, and shall certify in writing the fact of
such reading and the knowledge thereof.
Sec. 6-2-10. Copy of regulations to be maintained on premises; employees to be instructed.
It shall be the duty of the management of the premises licensed under this Ordinance to maintain a copy
of this Ordinance, or the ordinance from which this Ordinance derives, and all amendments thereto, on
such premises, and to instruct each and every employee on the terms thereof.
Sec. 6-2-11. Adulteration of beverages, refilling bottles, etc.
It shall be unlawful for any person to add to the contents of any bottle labeled as containing an alcoholic
beverage, or to refill any such empty bottle, or in any manner to misrepresent the quantity, quality or
brand name of any alcoholic beverage.
Sec. 6-2-12. Illumination of certain premises.
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All premises for which a Class A (on-premises consumption of beer), C (on-premises consumption of
wine) or E (on-premises consumption of liquor) license has been issued under the provisions of this
Ordinance shall be adequately illuminated so that all hallways, passage ways and open areas may be
clearly seen by customers therein.
Sec. 6-2-13. Advertising signs.
Signs advertising alcoholic beverages must be turned off when the business is closed or the sale of
alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
Sec. 6-2-14. Hours of sale.
(a) Generally. Any and all holders of licenses under the authority of this Ordinance
shall observe the following schedule of hours of operation, which shall be determined by Eastern
Standard Time or daylight savings time, whichever is in effect:
(1) Holders of Class A, C, E, G H, I, J, K, L, M, and N licenses (on-premises consumption of
Beer, Wine and Liquor, Brewpubs, Brewery, Micro Brewery, Nano Brewery, Pico Brewery,
Distillery, Nano Distillery, and Pico Distillery) shall not open for business earlier than 8:00 a.m.
Monday through Friday and may serve any authorized alcoholic beverage until 2:30 a.m. on the
next following day; provided, further that said premises shall be vacated of all persons, including
employees, by no later than 3:00 a.m. On Saturday, consumption on-premises license holders
shall not open for business earlier than 8:00 a.m. and may serve authorized alcoholic beverages
until 11:55 p.m. on Saturdays and the two (2) hours immediately following such time; provided,
further, that said premises shall be vacated of all persons, including employees, by no later than
2:30 a.m. on Sunday. Where the sale of alcoholic beverages is in conjunction with the sale
of food, the aforesaid hours of sale shall be applicable only to the sale of alcoholic
beverages and not applicable to the sale of food; provided, however, no alcoholic
beverage shall be allowed to remain on any bars, tables, or be in possession of patrons
after 3:00 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 2:30 a.m. Sunday, and the inventory of
alcoholic beverages must be secured as described in section 6-2-17 of this Ordinance.
(2) Holders of a Class F license (off-premises consumption of liquor) shall not open for business
earlier than 8:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday and may remain open for business until 11:45
p.m. Monday through Saturday. Holders of a Class F license (off-premises consumption of
liquor) shall not open for business earlier than 12:30 p.m. on Sunday and may remain open for
business until 11:30 p.m. on Sunday.
(3) Holders of Class B and D licenses (off-premises consumption of beer and wine) who are not
licensed to sell liquor shall be prohibited from selling beer and/or wine only between the hours of
11:45 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday and between 11:30 p.m. on Sunday and 6:00 a.m.
on the Monday next following.
(4) No licensee, employee of such licensee, or any person acting on behalf of such licensee shall
furnish, or give beverage alcohol to any person on any day or at any time when the sale of same is
prohibited by law.
Sec. 6-2-15. Sunday Sales.
(a) The sale of alcoholic beverages is authorized for consumption on-premises in eating
establishments, or inns, as defined herein, on Sundays between the hours of 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.
Monday. Where the sale of alcoholic beverages is in conjunction with the sale of food, the
aforesaid hours of sale shall be applicable only to the sale of alcoholic beverages and not
applicable to the sale of food; provided however, no alcoholic beverage shall be allowed to
remain on any bars, tables, or be in possession of patrons after 2:30 a.m. Monday, and the
inventory of alcoholic beverages must be secured as described in section 6-2-17 of this
Ordinance. For the purpose of this subsection, eating establishment shall mean an establishment which is
licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises and which derives at least fifty (50)
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percent of its total annual gross food and beverages sales from the sale of prepared meals or food, and
shall further mean a restaurant meeting criteria for license eligibility provided in section 6-2-52. For the
purpose of this subsection, inn means an establishment which is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages and
which derives at least fifty (50) percent of its total annual gross income from the rental of rooms for
overnight lodging.
(b) The Augusta-Richmond County Commission recognizes the value of the Masters Tournament to
tourism and recruitment of industry and business to Augusta, Georgia: that entertainment of visitors to
Augusta during the Masters Tournament, including the Sunday immediately preceding the Masters
Tournament and the Sunday of the Masters Tournament is an important resource to Augusta; and that
allowing “eating establishments” and “inns”, that are not otherwise licensed for Sunday sales, to sell
alcoholic beverages on the Sunday immediately preceding the Masters Tournament and the Sunday of the
Masters Tournament enhance the ability of Augusta to attract tourism, economic development, and
industry and businesses. Therefore, “eating establishments” and “inns” as provided in subparagraph (a)
hereof, shall be allowed to secure a special license authorizing the sale of alcoholic beverages, for which
they are otherwise licensed, on the Sunday immediately preceding the Masters Tournament and the
Sunday of the Masters Tournament. The fee for such permit shall two hundred dollars ($200.00) per
Sunday , and application for same must be made as provided in Augusta-Richmond County Code § 6-2-
77 at least thirty (30) days in advance of the such event. The license provided for herein shall be in
addition to any other license granted under Augusta-Richmond County Code § 6-2-77 or any other
section of this Chapter.
(c) Policy Statement. The intent of this Sunday Sales Ordinance is to allow those full service
restaurants that serve the public to sell alcoholic beverages with the meals on Sunday. It is not the intent
of this Ordinance to encourage neighborhood taverns and bars to serve alcoholic beverages on Sunday via
the mechanism of serving incidental meals on Sunday.
Sec. 6-2-16. Sunday sales of beer and wine in public stadiums.
Authorized holders of a Class A license or a Class C license may serve beer and wine for on-premises
consumption in public stadiums owned or controlled by Augusta-Richmond County and having a seating
capacity in excess of 2,500 people on Sunday between the hours of 12:30 p.m. and midnight.
Sec. 6-2-17. Inventory to be kept under lock and key when sale prohibited.
(a) On all days and times that the sale of alcoholic beverages or a particular type of alcoholic
beverage is prohibited by state law and where the business is otherwise open and operating for the
purpose of the sale of other items, it is required that all coolers designated as alcoholic beverage coolers
be kept under lock and key during the period of time that sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited and
also that any inventory of alcoholic beverages must be kept under lock and key during these periods.
Sec. 6-2-18. Prices to be indicated.
Retailers shall indicate plainly, by tags or labels on the bottles or containers or on the shelf immediately
below where the containers are placed, or on an exposed sign prominently placed, the price of all
alcoholic beverages exposed or offered for sale.
Sec. 6-2-19. Furnishing to minors - Prohibited.
(a) Except as otherwise authorized by law:
(1) No person knowingly, directly or through another person, shall furnish, cause to be furnished,
or permit any person in such person's employ to furnish any alcoholic beverage to any person
under twenty-one (21) years of age;
(2) No person under twenty-one (21) years of age shall purchase or knowingly possess any
alcoholic beverage;
(3) No person under twenty-one (21) years of age shall misrepresent such
person's age in any manner whatever for the purpose of obtaining illegally any alcoholic
beverage; and
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(4) No person knowingly or intentionally shall act as an agent to purchase or acquire any
alcoholic beverage for, or on behalf of, a person under twenty-one (21) years of age.
(b) The prohibitions contained in paragraphs (1), (2) and (4) of subsection (a) of this section shall not
apply with respect to the sale, purchase or possession of alcoholic beverages for consumption:
(1) For medical purposes pursuant to a prescription of a physician duly authorized to practice
medicine in this state;
(2) At a religious ceremony; or
(3) In the home of the parent or guardian, with the parent or guardian present.
(c) The prohibition contained in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply with
respect to sale of an alcoholic beverage by a person when such person has been furnished with proper
identification showing that the person to whom the alcoholic beverage is sold is twenty-one (21) years of
age or older. For purposes of this subsection, the term proper identification means any document issued
by a governmental agency containing a description of the person, such person's photograph, or both, and
giving such person's date of birth and including, without being limited to, a passport, military
identification card, driver's license, or an identification card authorized under 0.C.G.A. Sec. 40-5-100
through Sec. 40-5-104. Proper identification shall not include a birth certificate nor a traffic citation.
(d) If such conduct is not otherwise prohibited pursuant to section 6-2-26 nothing contained in this
section shall be construed to prohibit any person under twenty-one (21) years of age from:
(1) Dispensing, serving, selling or handling alcoholic beverages as a part of employment in any
licensed restaurant as defined in Section 6-2-2.
(2) Being employed in any establishment in which alcoholic beverages are distilled or
manufactured;
(3) Taking orders for and having possession of alcoholic beverages as a part of employment in a
licensed restaurant as defined in Section 6-2-2.
(e) Each retail business establishment in Augusta-Richmond County which is licensed to sell
alcoholic beverages of any kind shall post in a conspicuous place or places a notice which shall contain
the provisions of the laws of this state which deal with the unlawful sale of such items to underage
persons and the penalties for violating such laws.
(f) No person who holds a license or is responsible for the day-to-day operation of an establishment
holding a license permitting the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption shall employ
any individual under the age of 21, or allow any individual under the age of 21 to be in, frequent or loiter
about the licensed premises unless such individual is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian except as
provided herein. This prohibition shall apply regardless of whether or not said establishment on said date
or time is operating for the purpose of the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, and
regardless of what other type of license or business tax certificate said establishment may have. This
section shall not prohibit individuals under the age of 21 from being in a qualified eating establishment or
entertainment venue as defined in this Ordinance or attending a special event for which a license for a
single event is issued pursuant to this Ordinance, and does not apply to such individuals who are
employees of the licensee with assigned duties in the licensed premises.
Sec. 6-2-20. Same - Penalty for violation.
(a) Any licensee hereunder, or any person in the employ of the licensee or any person in the employ
of the retail business establishment for which the license was granted, who violates the provisions of
section 6-2-19 herein, shall subject the license of the licensee to suspension or revocation, and shall be
guilty of an offense and, upon trial and conviction of a misdemeanor, shall be punished by a fine in an
amount not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) and/or imprisonment in jail for a period not to
exceed sixty (60) days.
(b) Whenever an Alcoholic Beverage License(s), under section 6-2-20(a) is suspended, or suspended
and made subject to probation by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission for all or a part of said
period of suspension, said license shall not be reinstated unless the licensee pays to the County a
reinstatement fee of $500.00. Said reinstatement fee shall be due and payable and remitted to Augusta-
Richmond County not less than five (5) business days prior to the end of any period of suspension or
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probated suspension imposed by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission. Only one such fee shall be
paid by any one license holder on any one occasion irrespective of the number of licenses to be reinstated.
Any fee paid pursuant to this Code section shall be paid into the General Fund.
Sec. 6-2-21. Premises to be kept in orderly manner, with outside gatherings of patrons restricted.
(a) Owners and/or applicant, managers and employees shall be responsible for keeping an orderly
place, and no patron shall cause a disturbance of any kind; nor shall any patron be allowed to stand, sit,
mingle or assemble outside the building, in parking lots or autos, and drink alcoholic beverages except as
provided in subparagraph (b) hereof.
(b) Businesses with on-premises alcoholic beverage consumption licenses may serve alcoholic
beverages only within the definite closed locality, whether room, shop or building, where alcoholic
beverages are sold by the drink. However, any business with such license, which has an outside patio area
that is actually and permanently attached to the main building, may serve alcoholic beverages in the patio
area; provided, however, a bar may not be set up in such an outside patio area, nor are portable bars, beer
tents or other such facilities for the sale of alcoholic beverages permitted. Sales through doorways or
windows to sidewalks, parking lots, or patio areas are also prohibited.
(c) The provisions of subsection (b) above shall not apply to the sale of alcoholic beverages in the
area designated as Riverwalk. Sales in the Riverwalk area shall be allowed as provided in section 6-2-22
hereof.
(d) The alcohol license holder, or manager of an on-premise consumption alcohol licensed business,
or any person giving any public amusement show, exhibition or performance, any public ball, any dances
either public or private, or any gathering at public facilities when alcohol is being served, or on any
occasion where the Chief of the Fire Department and/or Sheriff determine in their sole discretion that due
to the nature of the function and/or facility, attendance of sheriff's deputies and/or firefighters is
necessary, it is then the responsibility of the alcohol license holder, or other person mentioned, to comply
with the chief of the fire department and/or sheriff’s decision.
(e) Any manager or other person mentioned in the preceding section shall apply to the sheriff's
department and the fire department to learn whether or not the attendance of deputies and/or firefighters is
required.
Sec. 6-2-22. Sales at Riverwalk.
Sales in the Riverwalk area shall be allowed in areas designated for alcohol sales by the Planning and
Development Department as permanent locations.
Sec. 6-2-23. Sanitation requirements, monitoring occupancy limits.
(a) All premises used for the retail sale of alcoholic beverages or for the storage thereof for sale shall
be kept in a clean and sanitary condition and shall be in full compliance with the regulations of the
department of public health regulating the condition of premises used for the storage or sale of food for
human consumption. All premises for which a Class A (on-premises consumption of beer), Class C (on-
premise consumption of wine) or Class E (on-premises consumption of liquor) license has been issued
shall afford therein adequate sanitary toilet facilities.
(b) Monitoring occupancy limit, continuous compliance required. Any establishment licensed by the
city to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises shall establish a procedure for
monitoring the number of people in the establishment and shall be in continuous compliance with the
occupancy limit as shown on the occupancy load for the premises.
(c) Open restrooms required. Any establishment licensed by the city to dispense alcoholic
beverages for consumption on the premises shall at all times while open to the public keep restrooms
open and operating in sufficient numbers to accommodate the needs of its customers. Such establishment
shall be in continuous compliance with city building and plumbing code requirements regarding public
restrooms.
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(d) Cleanliness and code compliance required. All premises including the sidewalks and any
adjacent public ways shall be kept clean and free of litter or trash, and such premises shall be and remain
in full compliance with all requirements of the city inspections department.
Sec. 6-2-24. Games of chance; cause for suspension or revocation of license.
Gambling, betting, or the operation of games of chance, punchboards, slot machines, lotteries, or tickets
or chances therein, or any other such scheme or device involving the hazarding of money or any other
thing of value in any licensed place of business, or in any room adjoining the same owned, leased or
controlled by him, shall be cause for suspension or revocation of his license; provided, however, nothing
herein shall prohibit the operation of a properly licensed Georgia Lottery outlet, bingo game or any device
not otherwise prohibited by law.
Sec. 6-2-25. Visual obstructions prohibited.
No screen, blind, curtain, partition, article or thing shall be permitted in the window or upon the doors of
the licensed premises which shall prevent a clear view into the interior of the premises from the street or
road at any time, and no booth, screen, partition or other obstruction shall be permitted within the interior
of the licensed premises, and the same shall be so lighted so the interior of the premises is plainly visible
from the street or road day and night.
Sec. 6-2-26. Employment of persons under eighteen years of age prohibited.
(a) In establishments holding a license permitting the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises
consumption that do not prohibit individuals under the age of 21 from entering, no person shall allow or
require a person in his employment under eighteen (18) years of age to dispense, serve, sell or take orders
for any alcoholic beverages.
(b) This section shall not prohibit persons under eighteen (18) years of age who are employed in
supermarkets, convenience stores, breweries or drugstores from selling or handling alcoholic beverages
which are sold for consumption off the premises.
Sec. 6-2-27. Adult entertainment establishments.
(a) Findings; public purpose. Pursuant to the Constitutional Amendment, ratified on November 8,
1994, to Article III, Chapter VI of the Constitution of the State of Georgia, which amendment added a
new Section VII to said article and delegated the State's power to regulate, restrict, or prohibit activities
involving alcoholic beverages to the counties and municipalities of this State; and in recognition and
reliance upon those certain studies, by the City of Austin, Texas and the City of Dallas, Texas, of the
effects of adult entertainment establishments in which alcohol is consumed on the premises, which studies
show that such establishments engender crime and create undesirable community conditions in the area
surrounding them and which studies have previously been considered by the Board of Commissioners of
Richmond County; It is hereby declared that the purpose of this section is to regulate certain types of
businesses including, but not limited to, adult entertainment establishments, to the end that the many
types of criminal activities and undesirable community conditions frequently engendered by such
businesses will be curtailed. However, it is recognized that such regulation cannot de facto approach
prohibition. Otherwise, a protected form of expression would vanish. As to adult dance establishments,
this section represents a balancing of competing interests: reduced criminal activity and protection of the
neighborhoods through the regulation of adult entertainment establishments and the protected rights of
adult entertainment establishments and patrons.
(b) Sale or consumption of alcohol prohibited. No holder of a license or business tax certificate for
an adult entertainment establishment shall serve, sell, distribute or suffer the consumption or possession
of any alcoholic beverage or controlled substance upon the premises of the licensee or business tax
certificate holder; provided, however, nothing herein contained shall affect any vested rights.
Sec. 6-2-28. Financial transactions.
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No licensee, or his business associates, shall borrow or accept from or give or lend to vending machine
owners, lessors, suppliers or operators, money or other valuable considerations. Vending machines shall
mean for payment of money devices dispensing goods, services, or amusements, or any other thing of
value.
Sec. 6-2-29. Licensee purchases from licensed wholesaler.
No retail dealer or retail consumption dealer shall buy or arrange to buy or in any way effect the transfer
of any beverage alcohol to him or for his account except from a licensed wholesaler. No arrangement
whereby a wholesaler shall handle, clear or in any other way arrange to transfer for any licensed retail
dealer or retail consumption dealer shall be permitted; and all sales by wholesalers to licensed retail
dealers or retail consumption dealers shall be bona fide sales transactions from the wholesaler to the
licensed retail dealer or retail consumption dealer. The making of any forbidden arrangements shall be
cause for revocation of the licenses of all licensed wholesalers and retail dealers or retail consumption
dealers involved.
Sec. 6-2-30. Solicitation of drinks.
No person while holding any license shall require, permit, suffer, encourage, or induce any employee or
person other than the patron and guests of the patron, to solicit the purchase by the patron of any drink,
whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, or money with which to purchase the same; nor shall any licensee pay
a commission or any other compensation to any person frequenting his establishment or to his agent or
manager to solicit for herself, himself, or for others, the purchase by the patron of any drink, whether
alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
Sec. 6-2-31. Consideration of goods bought or sold to be in cash; exceptions.
(a) The consideration for all alcoholic beverages sold by any licensee shall be cash only and the
delivery and payment therefore shall be a simultaneous transaction within the licensed place of business.
There shall be no maneuver, device or shifts, of any kind whereby credit is extended. The use of post-
dated checks is prohibited.
(b) The use of a credit card for the purchase of alcohol beverages from a licensee shall not be
prohibited provided such credit card represents an unqualified obligation to pay without recourse on the
part of the person, institution or agency issuing such card. Hotels and motels licensed to sell beverage
alcohol shall not be prohibited from billing guests of such hotel or motel for such beverage alcohol
provided that payment is tendered at the time such guest leaves or checks out of such hotel or motel. The
sale of beverage alcohol by bona fide private clubs and lodges wherein members pay all charges on a
monthly basis shall not be prohibited provided the receivables from such transactions are promptly placed
for collection consistent with sound business practices.
Sec. 6-2-32. Violations; unlawful activities.
(a) Any person holding any license issued pursuant to this Ordinance or any employee or agent of
such person who violates any provision of this Ordinance, or directs, consents to, permits, or acquiesces
in such violation, either directly or indirectly shall, by such conduct, subject the license to suspension or
revocation. For purposes of administering and enforcing this Ordinance, any act committed by an
employee, agent or representative of a licensee shall be deemed to be an act of such licensee.
(b) It shall be a violation of this Ordinance for any licensee to permit any person to engage in any
activity on the premises for which the license is issued or within the place of business, which is in
violation of the laws or regulations of any federal, state, county or municipal governing authority or
regulatory agency. With respect to any such activity, it shall be rebuttably presumed that the same was
done with the knowledge or consent of the licensee; provided however, that such presumption may be
rebutted only by evidence which precludes every other reasonable hypothesis save that such licensee did
not know, assist or aid in such occurrence, or in the exercise of full diligence could not have discovered or
prevented such activity.
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Sec. 6-2-33. Subterfuge.
Any act which may be construed as a subterfuge in an effort to circumvent any provision of this
Ordinance shall be deemed a violation of the section or subsection attempted to be circumvented.
Secs. 6-2-34 – 6-2-50. Reserved
ARTICLE 2
LICENSING
Sec. 6-2-51. License required.
(a) No alcoholic beverage may be sold, possessed for sale, or distributed in Augusta-Richmond
County, other than in the City of Hephzibah or the City of Blythe if said municipalities legally authorize
same, except under a license granted by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission.
(b) Licenses granted hereunder shall fall into one or more of the following classes:
(1) Class A: On-premises consumption of beer
(2) Class B: Off-premises consumption of beer
(3) Class C: On-premises consumption of wine
(4) Class D: Off-premises consumption of wine
(5) Class E: On-premises consumption of liquor
(6) Class F: Off-premises consumption of liquor
(7) Class G: Brewery, Manufacturer of Malt Beverages
(8) Class H: Brewpub Operator
(9) Class I: Micro Brewery
(10) Class J: Nano Brewery
(11) Class K: Pico Brewery
(12) Class L: Distillery
(13) Class M: Nano Distillery
(14) Class N: Pico Distillery
(15) Wholesale Beer
(16) Wholesale Wine
(17) Wholesale Liquor
(18) Sunday Sales
Sec. 6-2-52. License for eating establishment, hybrid restaurants, and entertainment venue;
authority to sell for consumption on the premises.
(a) For an eating establishment to be eligible to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the
premises, it must be a public place kept, used, maintained, advertised and held out to the public as a place
where substantial meals are served and where substantial meals are actually and regularly served, such
place being provided with adequate and sanitary kitchen to include an appropriate stove, refrigerator, food
preparation area, sink, and other items required by the County Health Department and Planning &
Development Department for the preparation of foods, and shall have a printed or posted menu from
which selections for prepared food can be made, and dining room equipment, and a seating capacity of at
least 40 people, having employed therein a sufficient number and kind of employees to prepare, cook and
serve suitable meals for its guests as a bona fide eating establishment operation. The serving of such
meals shall be the principal business conducted, with the serving of distilled spirits to be consumed on the
premises as only incidental thereto, and to qualify as an eating establishment under this section, such
establishment must derive at least 50 percent of its total annual gross food and beverage sales from the
sales of prepared meals and foods on-premises. The Planning & Development Department staff, upon
receiving an application from an eating establishment to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the
premises, shall inspect the restaurant to determine if the applicant is in compliance with the above
requirements for a restaurant and shall advise the Commission the determination of his/her inspection.
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(b) The licensee of any eating establishment desiring the privilege to sell or otherwise dispense
distilled spirits, malt beverages, or wine in accordance with (a) above shall file an affidavit with the
Planning & Development Department, certifying under oath that such establishment, if an existing
business, derived at least 50 percent of its total annual gross food and beverage sales income from the sale
of prepared meals or food on-premise during the preceding calendar year or, if a new business, fully
intends and expects to derive at least 50 percent of its total annual gross food and beverage sales income
from the sale of prepared meals or food on-premise during the remainder of the current calendar year.
Such an affidavit must be submitted annually with such establishment's alcoholic beverage license
renewal application if restaurant classification is to be continued. The hours of sale are set forth in
Sections 6-2-14 and 6-2-15.
(c) Not withstanding any other criterion in this section, licensees desiring to operate as
Hybrid Restaurants may elect to operate as a bar and may charge after 9:00 p.m. cover charges
for live entertainment and contests not adult oriented in nature subject to:
(1) the licensee obtains a certificate from the Fire Marshall which states the maximum
occupancy limits during restaurant operations and the maximum occupancy limit once food
service stops and the restaurant functions as a bar;
(2) the licensee complies with the distance criteria in sections 6-2-64 and the 50 percent food
sales criterion of subsection (a) and (b) of this section;
(3) no persons under the legal drinking age of 21 shall be allowed after the time such licensees
begin to charge a cover charge;
(4) the licensee post a sign which is visible upon entry to the establishment which shall read
"This establishment may charge a cover charge after 9:00 p.m. and no persons under the legal
drinking age of 21 shall be allowed on the premises after 9:00 p.m. as per Section 6-2-52(c) of
the Augusta, Georgia Code";
(5) the initial application with the Planning and Development Department or upon annual
renewal the licensee must indicate the intent to charge a cover charge under this section. Failure
to declare the intent to charge a cover charge may result in revocation of the alcoholic beverage
license; and
(6) restaurants which elect to charge a cover charge are required to pay an annual regulatory fee
as required is Section 2-1-3 (c ) of the Augusta-Richmond County Code.
(d) For an entertainment venue to be eligible to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the
premises; it must have a minimum seating capacity of 200 fixed seats, affixed to the floor or attached to
each other in rows of at least five seats in each row, in a theatre-like design in front of a stage; and it must
be a public place kept, used, maintained, advertised and held out to the public as an entertainment venue.
Entertainment shall be the principal business conducted, with the serving of alcoholic beverages to be
consumed on the premises as only incidental thereto, and to qualify as an entertainment venue under this
section, such establishment must derive at least 50 percent of its total annual gross entertainment and
beverage sales from the sales of entertainment admission tickets. The Director of Planning and
Development, upon receiving an application from an entertainment venue to sell alcoholic beverages for
consumption on the premises, shall inspect the location to determine if the applicant is in compliance with
the above requirements for an entertainment venue and shall advise the commission the determination of
his/her inspection. The sale of alcoholic beverages is authorized for consumption on-premises in
entertainment venues as defined herein, on Sundays between the hours of 12:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
provided, further that the shall be vacated of all persons, including employees, by no later than 12:00
midnight. For the purpose of this subsection, entertainment venue shall mean an establishment which is
licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises and which derives at least 50 percent
of its total annual gross entertainment and beverages sales from the sale of entertainment admission
tickets, and shall further mean an entertainment venue meeting criteria for license eligibility provided in
section 6-2-52.
(1) Any business operating as an entertainment venue as defined in this Code shall be
required to have a business tax certificate. The requirements for obtaining, renewing
and maintaining such certificate shall be governed by the applicable provisions of the
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Augusta-Richmond County Code, Title 2, Chapter 2. The regulatory fee for a business
tax certificate issued to any entertainment venue shall be as set forth in section 2-1-
3(c).
(e) Upon renewal of an alcoholic beverage license at a premise where an eating establishment,
hybrid restaurant, or entertainment venue is in operation, verified records of sales of food or admission
tickets as they relate to the total sales of food and beverages or admissions shall be furnished.
Verifications must be submitted by both the license holder and the management of the establishment. The
Director of Planning and Development may cause an audit of the books of a qualifying eating
establishment, hybrid restaurant, or entertainment venue to be made at any time. Failure of a licensee
which is a qualifying eating establishment, hybrid restaurant, or entertainment venue to cooperate in the
execution of the audit shall be a violation of this Ordinance. Any untrue or misleading information
contained in, or material omission left out of, shall be cause for action to be taken against the alcohol
license as provided for in Section 6-2-74.
Sec. 6-2-53. Licenses for brewpub, brewery, micro brewery, nano brewery and pico brewery;
Licenses for distillery, nano distillery, and pico distillery .
1. Licenses for brewpub, brewery, micro brewery, nano brewery and pico brewery;
Required. No individual shall be permitted to own or operate a brewery, micro brewery, nano brewery,
pico brewery or brewpub without first complying with Zoning regulations, obtaining a proper license
from the Augusta-Richmond County Commission, and paying the Occupation Tax. Each brewery and
brewpub license holder shall comply with all other applicable federal, state and local license
requirements.
A) Brewpub. Any eating establishment in which beer or malt beverages are manufactured or
brewed, subject to the barrel production limitation prescribed in O.C.G.A. § 3-5-36, for retail
consumption on the premises and solely in draft form. As used herein, the term eating establishment
means an establishment which is licensed to sell distilled spirits, malt beverages, or wines and
which derives at least fifty percent (50%) of its total annual gross food and beverages sales from the
sale of prepared meals or food on premises.
(a) A brewpub license authorizes the holder of such license to:
i). Manufacture on the licensed premises not more than 10,000 barrels of malt beverages
in a calendar year solely for retail sale.
ii). Sell up to a maximum of 5,000 barrels annually of such malt beverages to licensed
wholesale dealers.
iii). Sell retail up to 64 ounces per person per day of draft beer brewed on site at the
brewpub for off-premise consumption.
iv). Operate an eating establishment, the sale of such beer, and may offer for sale any
other alcoholic beverages produced by other manufacturers which are authorized for
retail sale under licenses issued by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission,
including wine, distilled spirits, and malt beverages, provided that such alcoholic
beverages are purchased from a licensed wholesaler for consumption on the premises
only; and, provided, further, that in addition to draft beer manufactured on the premises,
each brewpub licensee shall offer for sale commercially available canned or bottled malt
beverages from licensed wholesalers.
(b) Possession of a brewpub license shall not prevent the holder of such license from
obtaining an on premise consumption license for liquor, beer and wine for the same
premises.
(c) A brewpub license does not authorize the holder of such license to sell alcoholic
beverages, not produced on the premises, by the package for consumption off the
premises.
(d) A brewpub licensee shall:
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i). Pay all state and local license fees and excise taxes applicable to individuals licensed
as manufacturers, retailers, and, where applicable, wholesalers under this title; and
ii). Measure beer manufactured on the premises and otherwise comply with applicable
regulations respecting excise and enforcement tax determination of such beer as required
by Georgia law and the Ordinances of Augusta-Richmond County.
B) Brewery shall mean a large or industrial scale manufacturer of alcoholic malt
beverages for the purpose of wholesale distribution.
(a) A brewery license authorizes the holder of such license to:
i). Manufacture on the licensed premises malt beverages for wholesale distribution.
ii). Sell malt beverages produced on site for on-premise consumption.
iii). Sell up to 288 ounces per person per day of the malt beverage brewed on site for off-
premise consumption.
(b) A brewery licensee shall:
i). Pay all state and local license fees and excise taxes applicable to individuals licensed
as manufacturers, retailers, and, where applicable, wholesalers under this title; and
ii). Measure beer manufactured on the premises and otherwise comply with applicable
regulations respecting excise and enforcement tax determination of such beer as required
by Georgia law and the Ordinances of Augusta-Richmond County.
C) Micro Brewery shall mean a manufacture of alcoholic malt beverages of up to 15,000
barrels per year.
(a) A micro brewery license authorizes the holder of such license to:
i). Manufacture on the licensed premises not more than 15,000 barrels of malt beverages
in a calendar year for wholesale distribution.
ii). Sell malt beverages produced on site for on-premise consumption.
iii). Sell up to 288 ounces per person per day of the malt beverage brewed on site for off-
premise consumption.
(b) A micro brewery licensee shall:
i). Pay all state and local license fees and excise taxes applicable to individuals licensed
as manufacturers, retailers, and, where applicable, wholesalers under this title; and
ii). Measure beer manufactured on the premises and otherwise comply with applicable
regulations respecting excise and enforcement tax determination of such beer as required
by Georgia law and the Ordinances of Augusta-Richmond County.
D) Nano Brewery shall mean a producer of alcoholic malt beverages of up to 3,000 barrels
per year.
(a) A nano brewery license authorizes the holder of such license to:
i). Manufacture on the licensed premises not more than 3,000 barrels of malt beverages in
a calendar year for wholesale distribution.
ii). Sell malt beverages produced on site for on-premise consumption.
iii). Sell up to 288 ounces per person per day of the malt beverage brewed on site for off-
premise consumption.
(b) A nano brewery licensee shall:
i). Pay all state and local license fees and excise taxes applicable to individuals licensed
as manufacturers, retailers, and, where applicable, wholesalers under this title; and
ii). Measure beer manufactured on the premises and otherwise comply with applicable
regulations respecting excise and enforcement tax determination of such beer as required
by Georgia law and the Ordinances of Augusta-Richmond County.
E) Pico Brewery shall mean a small batch producer of alcoholic malt beverages of up to
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500 barrels per year.
(a) A pico brewery license authorizes the holder of such license to:
i). Manufacture on the licensed premises not more than 500 barrels of malt beverages in a
calendar year for wholesale distribution.
ii). Sell malt beverages produced on site for on-premise consumption.
iii). Sell up to 288 ounces per person per day of the malt beverage brewed on site for off-
premise consumption.
(b) A pico brewery licensee shall:
i). Pay all state and local license fees and excise taxes applicable to individuals licensed
as manufacturers, retailers, and, where applicable, wholesalers under this title; and
ii). Measure beer manufactured on the premises and otherwise comply with applicable
regulations respecting excise and enforcement tax determination of such beer as required
by Georgia law and the Ordinances of Augusta-Richmond County.
2. Licenses for distillery, nano distillery, and pico distillery.
Required. No individual shall be permitted to own or operate a distillery, nano distillery or pico distillery
without first complying with Zoning regulations, obtaining a proper license from the Augusta-Richmond
County Commission, and paying the Occupation Tax. Each distillery, nano distillery or pico distillery
license holder shall comply with all other applicable federal, state and local license requirements.
A) Distillery shall mean a large or industrial scale manufacturer of alcoholic distilled
spirits for the purpose of wholesale distribution. Such use must be connected to public
water and sewer.
B) Nano Distillery shall mean a producer of alcoholic distilled spirits of up to 500 barrels
per year.
(a) A nano distillery license authorizes the holder of such license to:
i). Manufacture on the licensed premises not more than 500 barrels of distilled spirits in a
calendar year for wholesale distribution.
ii). Sell distilled spirits produced on site for on-premise consumption.
iii). Sell up to 3 bottles (750 ml) per person per day of the distilled spirits produced
on site for off-premise consumption.
(b) A nano distillery licensee shall:
i). Pay all federal, state and local license fees and excise taxes applicable to individuals
licensed as manufacturers, retailers, and, where applicable, wholesalers under this title;
and
ii). Measure distilled spirits produced on the premises and otherwise comply with
applicable regulations respecting excise and enforcement tax determination of such
distilled spirits as required by Federal law, Georgia law and the Ordinances of Augusta-
Richmond County.
C) Pico Distillery shall mean a small batch producer of alcoholic distilled spirits of up to
100 barrels per year.
(a) A pico distillery license authorizes the holder of such license to:
i). Manufacture on the licensed premises not more than 100 barrels of distilled spirits in a
calendar year for wholesale distribution.
ii). Sell distilled spirits produced on site for on-premise consumption.
iii).Sell up to 3 bottles (750 ml) per person per day of the distilled spirits produced
on site for off-premise consumption.
(b) A pico distillery licensee shall:
i). Pay all federal, state and local license fees and excise taxes applicable to individuals
licensed as manufacturers, retailers, and, where applicable, wholesalers under this title;
and
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ii. Measure distilled spirits produced on the premises and otherwise comply with
applicable regulations respecting excise and enforcement tax determination of such
distilled spirits as required by Federal law, Georgia law and the Ordinances of Augusta-
Richmond County.
3. Hours of Sale: On-Premise Consumption and Off-Premise Consumption
See Section 6-2-14 and 6-2-15.
Sec. 6-2-54. License for off-premises consumption and sale by the drink at same location.
A license holder may have his license for off-premises consumption and his license for on-premises
consumption at the same location, but they must be separate premises with separate addresses and trade
names.
Sec. 6-2-55. Holder of license for off-premises consumption of liquor selling by the drink without
license for on-premises consumption prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for the holders of licenses for off-premises consumption of liquor to offer liquor for
sale by the drink on such premises licensed for off-premises consumption. Any premises where alcoholic
beverages are sold by the drink at more than one (1) location within the premises shall be required to have
a license for each location within the premises.
Sec. 6-2-56. Brown-bagging, etc.
(a) No individual shall be allowed to consume alcoholic beverages in any restaurant, lounge, or bar
with an occupation tax certificate from Augusta-Richmond County that does not have a license for on-
premises consumption of alcoholic beverages under this ordinance. The occupation tax licensee for any
restaurant, lounge or bar in Augusta-Richmond County shall not allow any individual to consume
alcoholic beverages on their premises when such alcoholic beverages were not purchased from the
restaurant, lounge or bar.
(b) No person shall charge admission to any dance or other event at which alcoholic beverages will
be served, provided or otherwise available for consumption, without first obtaining a single event license
or an alcoholic beverage license.
Sec. 6-2-57. Augusta-Richmond County employees holding licenses prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any elected or full-time employee of Augusta-Richmond County, or his or her
spouse or members of the immediate family residing in the same household, to hold any license hereunder
if that elected official or full-time employee’s duties include the regulation or policing of alcoholic
beverages or licenses or any alcohol tax-collecting activity.
Sec. 6-2-58. Applicant for new license to give public notice, furnish proof of advertisement.
(a) All persons, firms or corporations desiring to engage in the sale of alcoholic beverages shall give
notice of their intention to make application for a license to do so by advertisement in form prescribed by
the Augusta-Richmond County license inspector. Advertising, as referred to in this section, means there
shall be a sign posted thirty (30) days prior to the hearing of the application in a prominent position on the
property (e.g., front window where it can be read from the road); also, all new license applicants shall be
required to advertise three (3) times in the legal gazette (Augusta Chronicle) before applications are heard
by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission or a committee thereof. Advertising in the legal gazette
shall be during the 30-day period prior to the hearing of the application by the Augusta-Richmond County
Commission.
(b) When an application is submitted for a license for a new location, the property designated for the
operation of the business shall be posted for thirty (30) days preceding the date of any hearing to be held
on said application with a sign reading as follows:
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This establishment has applied to the Augusta-Richmond County Commission for an alcoholic
beverage license authorizing it to sell Beer, Wine, Liquor (state the appropriate types of beverage)
for on/off premises consumption at this location. (state appropriate type).
This _______ day of, 20______________.
Name of applicant: _______________________
Address of applicant: _____________________
(The size of the sign to be posted on the property shall be no smaller than 15
inches by 27 inches. The sign is to be conspicuously displayed on that portion of
the property most visible to the public.)
(c) For purposes of this section, any location which has never been licensed for the sale of alcoholic
beverages before, or for which a license has been revoked, or where the sale of alcohol has ceased for
nine (9) months, shall be considered a new location.
(d) Before the application is presented to the Augusta-Richmond County Commission, the applicant
shall furnish proof that the advertisement has been completed as required herein above.
Sec. 6-2-59. Filing application.
(a) Form; information to be provided.
(1) A written application to the Augusta-Richmond County Commission for a license
under this Ordinance shall be made on forms approved by the Augusta-Richmond County
Commission. All questions and information required by the application form should be filled in
and subscribed to by all applicants, under oath, and shall disclose among other information
whether the applicant has been convicted of any crime, misdemeanor or a violation of any
municipal ordinance (except minor traffic violations) in any state, county, municipal or federal
court, and the particulars of same; the prior business of applicant for the past ten (10) years;
names and addresses of three (3) persons who have known applicant for the past five (5) years;
whether applicant has any existing liquor, beer or wine business in Georgia; whether the interest
of applicant is total, partial, or exact extent of same, and, if partial, the names and addresses of all
others having a partial interest in said business and the extent of such interest; and such other and
further information as the Commission shall deem necessary.
(2) It is further required that all applicants for licenses allowing the sale of liquor shall
submit with their applications personnel statements. These personnel statements shall be
furnished to the Augusta-Richmond County license inspector upon request and will be required
for original licenses, and renewals of existing licenses upon request.
(3) Every license application shall be accompanied by a plat prepared by a registered
surveyor, showing the distance of the premises for which the license is being applied from the
nearest church, school, library or public recreation area, any housing authority property, or from
any alcoholic treatment center owned and operated by a governmental entity, as measured under
section 6-2-63 hereof. The license application shall be accompanied by a copy of the lease. If the
license applicant leases the property and improvements, a copy of the lease shall be maintained
on a current basis in the license file. If the license applicant is the owner of the real estate and
improvement where the business will be located, a copy of the deed shall accompany the
application and be maintained as a part of the license file.
(4) The application shall also include, but shall not be limited to, the name and address of
the agent for service of process and the name of the manager. If the manager changes, the
applicant must furnish the Augusta-Richmond County license inspector with the name and
address of the new manager and other information as requested within ten (10) days of such
change.
(b) Date due. All applications, including required documentation, shall be filed with the Director of
Planning and Development not less than thirty (30) days prior to the date when the application is
scheduled to be heard.
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(c) Fee. Every such application, excluding renewals and transfers, shall be accompanied by a non-
refundable application fee in the amount of one hundred twenty-one dollars ($120.00), said fee to be paid
by certified check, cashier's check or money order made payable to the Augusta-Richmond County
Commission, as applicable.
(d) Untrue or misleading information; material omissions.
Any untrue or misleading information contained in, or material omission left out of, an original, renewal
or transfer application for a license hereunder shall be cause for the denial of the license; and, if any
license has been granted under such circumstances, the license shall be subject to revocation.
Sec. 6-2-60. Inspection of application by license inspector; investigation by Sheriff; provision of
information to Planning & Development Department upon request.
(a) If so filed as to comply with the requirement of this Ordinance an application under this
Ordinance shall be sworn to and directed to the Director of Planning & Development for Augusta-
Richmond County, who shall inspect the application and refer same to the Richmond County Sheriff, who
shall investigate the character and reputation of the applicant, owners, partners, officers of the
corporation, shareholders, managers, employees, and others associated with the application, and the
suitability of the location for the sale of alcoholic beverages.
(b) All applicants shall furnish all data, information and records requested of them by the License &
Inspection Department and/or the Richmond County Sheriff's Department, and failure to furnish such
data, information and records within thirty (30) days from the date of the request shall automatically serve
to dismiss, with prejudice, the application. Applicants, by filing an application, agree to produce for oral
interrogation any person or persons involved in any transaction pertinent to the application or any
evidence relevant to the application as may be requested by the Planning & Development Department or
the Richmond County Sheriff's Department. Failure to produce such evidence, person or persons within
thirty (30) days after being requested to do so shall result in the automatic dismissal of the application.
(c) The business owner and/or alcohol license applicant for all On-Premise Consumption license
holders shall meet with the Sheriff’s Office representative, Fire Department representative, and Business
License Manager to review proposed measures for ensuring the safety of employees and patrons as
required in Section 6-2-21.
Sec. 6-2-61. Review of application by the Augusta-Richmond County commission.
(a) Procedures—Generally. After the requirements of sections 6-2-58 through 6-2-60 have been
fulfilled, all applications for original alcoholic beverage licenses of any type shall be submitted to the
Public Services Committee of the Augusta-Richmond County Commission, which shall review the
applications in such manner as the committee may determine to be necessary, and shall submit a
recommendation to the Augusta-Richmond County Commission. After the investigation is complete, the
Augusta-Richmond County Commission shall cause to be issued such license as it may determine to be
warranted and needed by the applicant.
(b) Order of consideration. All applications presented shall be noted as to the date and exact time of
filing, and such applications shall be presented, heard and considered by the Commission in the order of
their filing.
Sec. 6-2-62. Criteria for license approval. Personal qualifications of applicants.
(a) Citizenship; residency. A license will be issued only to a person who is a citizen of the United
States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States, and who is a resident of
Augusta-Richmond County, Georgia. Where an applicant is other than a natural person, it must be an
entity organized and existing under the laws of the United States or one of its states, an agent of the entity
must meet the qualifications of the preceding sentence.
(1) For a license to be issued to a general partnership, the application must be made
jointly by the partnership, any managing partner and all other partners owning at least a twenty
(20) percent interest in the assets or revenues of the partnership. If there is no managing partner
and there is no partner meeting the ownership requirements, then the application must be made
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jointly in the name of the partnership and the general partner owning the greatest percentage
interest in the assets and revenues of the partnership, as agent. At least one (1) of the applicants
shall be a natural person. If none of the applicants required above is a natural person, then the
natural person having primary responsibility for the operation of the business for which the
license is sought shall join in the application, as agent.
(2) Where the applicant for a license is a limited partnership, the application shall be
made jointly by the limited partnership, its general partners, and any other partner, limited or
general, owning at least a twenty (20) percent interest in the assets or revenues of the limited
partnership. At least one (1) of the applicants must be a natural person. If none of the applicants
required above is a natural person, then the natural person having primary responsibility for the
operation of the business for which the license is sought shall join in the application, as agent.
(3) Where the applicant for a license is a corporation, the application shall be made
jointly in the name of the corporation and its president or vice president and any stockholder
owning at least twenty (20) percent of the total outstanding capital stock of the corporation.
(4) Where the applicant for a license is a private club, the application shall be made
jointly in the name of the private club and its president or general manager, as agent.
(5) Where the applicant for a license is an entity other than a natural person, a
partnership, a corporation, or a private club, the application shall be made jointly in the name of
the entity, the natural person having chief executive officer authority over the business activities
of the entity and any other person having at least a five (5) percent interest in the assets or
revenues of the entity, as agents. The application shall further disclose the type of entity making
the application and every person having an ownership interest in the assets or revenues of the
entity.
(6) Licenses issued to corporations, general partnerships, limited partnerships, private
clubs or other types of entities must be issued jointly to the entity and all of the other persons
required by this section to join in the application, as agents.
(b) Moral character; criminal record. No person, firm or corporation shall be granted an
alcoholic beverage license unless it shall appear to the satisfaction of the Commission that such persons or
partners in the firms or officers and directors of the corporation shall be of good moral character.
(c) Age. An applicant must be twenty-one (21) years of age or older.
(d) Interest in Business; Involvement in Business. The applicant must own a bona-fide interest in
the business for which the license is sought. Further, the applicant must be involved in the day-to-day
operation of the business for which the application is made. In the event the applicant is a corporation or
partnership, the applicant must designate on the application or renewal application a manager or other
supervisory employee (who is also a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of Georgia and
Augusta-Richmond County) as the individual responsible for the day-to-day operation of the business,
and must comply with the provisions of section 6-2-70(d) herein.
(e) Eligibility. The applicant must not fall into any of the categories of individuals who are
ineligible to hold a license under section 6-2-62.
Sec. 6-2-63. Individuals not eligible for license.
The following individuals are not eligible for an alcoholic beverage license, even if they possess all of the
qualifications listed in section 6-2-61.
(a) Any person convicted of a felony who served any part of a criminal sentence, including
probation within the ten (10) years immediately preceding the date of receipt of submission of the
application.
(b) Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor who served any part of a criminal
sentence, including probation within five (5) years immediately preceding the date of receipt of
submission of the application.
(c) Any person whose license to sell alcoholic beverages has been revoked for cause in any state
or territory of the United States within the ten (10) years preceding the filing of the application.
(d) Any person who has knowingly falsified information or made any material misrepresentation
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on the application for a license under this Ordinance or any application under the predecessor Ordinance
for Richmond County or the City of Augusta submitted within the ten (10) years preceding the filing of
the application.
(e) Any person who has been convicted of a violation of any federal, state or local law pertaining
to the possession, manufacture or sale of alcoholic beverages who served any part of a criminal sentence,
including probation within the ten (10) years preceding the filing of the application.
(f) Should any such applicant, partner or officer or director of any applicant entity, after a license
has been granted, be convicted or plead guilty or nolo contendere to a crime involving moral turpitude, or
to the violation of any laws of the State of Georgia regulating possession or the sale of narcotics, drugs,
liquors, wine or beer or the lottery laws of this state, said license shall be subject after hearing to
immediate suspension or revocation.
Sec. 6-2-64. Same—Location restrictions.
(a) Zoning. No license shall be issued for the sale, either at wholesale or retail, of alcoholic
beverages unless the licensee's place of business is located in an area within Augusta-Richmond County
that is properly zoned for the sale of alcoholic beverages.
(b) Proximity to churches, libraries, schools, and public recreation areas. No original license shall be
issued hereunder where the place of business of the licensee is located within the following distances of
the following establishments:
(1) Church or library buildings, or public recreation areas:
Whiskey: One hundred (100) yards.
Malt beverage: One hundred (100) yards.
Wine: One hundred (100) yards.
(1.1) Special alcohol license distance requirements for the Downtown Business District.
a. The "Downtown Business District" for purposes of this Ordinance is bounded:
1. North by the Savannah River;
2. East by the western right-of-way line of Fifth Street;
3. South by the north right-of-way line of Greene Street; and
4. West by the east right-of-way line of Fifteenth Street.
b. Any structure in the "Downtown Business District" as herein above
defined and not originally built as a place of worship will not be considered in
applying any distance requirement in reference to the issuance of any alcohol
license by Augusta, Georgia after the effective date of this Ordinance.
c. Exceptions: This Ordinance shall not apply to any structure in said
"Downtown Business District" not originally built as a place of worship and in
use as a place of worship on the effective date of this Ordinance.
d. In the Downtown Business District as herein defined, new applications for
alcoholic beverage licenses submitted after the effective date of this
Ordinance, shall be subject to distance requirements of 300 feet measured from
the main entrance of the applicant's structure to the main entrance of the
closest occupied structure originally built as a place of worship or any other
structure not originally built as a place of worship and in use as a place of
worship on or before the effective date of this Ordinance.
(2) School building or school grounds:
Whiskey: Two hundred (200) yards.
Malt beverage: One hundred (100) yards.
Wine: One hundred (100) yards.
The schools or colleges referred to herein shall include only such state, county, city,
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church or other schools as teach the subjects commonly taught in the common schools and colleges in this
state and shall not include private schools or colleges within which only specialized subjects such as law,
stenography, business, music, art, medicine, dentistry, vocational occupations and other special subjects
are taught.
(c) No license authorizing the sale of alcoholic beverages shall be issued for a new location unless
such proposed location is at a greater distance than 300 feet from any alcohol treatment center owned and
operated by a governmental entity.
(d) No person knowingly and intentionally may sell any alcoholic beverages for consumption on the
premises within 100 yards of any housing authority property. This subsection shall not apply at any
location for which a license has been issued prior to July 1, 2000 nor to the renewal of such license. Nor
shall this subsection apply at any location for which a new license is applied for if the sale of alcoholic
beverages for consumption on the premises was lawful at such location at any time during the 12 months
immediately preceding such application. (O.C.G.A. 3-3-21)
(e) All measurements, to determine distances for the issuance of alcoholic beverage license shall be
measured by the most direct route of travel on the ground and shall be measured in the following manner:
(1) From the front door of the structure from which alcoholic beverage is sold or offered
for sale;
(2) In a straight line to the nearest public sidewalk, walkway, street, road or highway;
(3) Along such public sidewalk, walkway, street, road or highway by the nearest route;
(4) To the front door of the building, or;
(5) To the nearest property line of the real property being used for school, educational
purposes, or public recreation areas.
(f) No license in effect on the day of the adoption of this Ordinance shall be revoked before its
day of expiration by reason of the method of measurement set out in this section if the license was
granted in reliance on another method of measurement.
(g) Further, the Augusta-Richmond County Commission may, in its discretion, issue or deny any
license when there is evidence that the type and number of schools, churches, libraries or public
recreation areas in the vicinity of the place of business of the licensee causes minors to frequent the
immediate area, even though there is compliance with the minimum distances as provided herein.
(h) Nothing contained herein shall prohibit the issuance of any license authorizing the sale or
distribution of alcoholic beverages by:
(1) Hotels or motels of fifty (50) rooms or more;
(2) Bona fide private clubs owning their homes and subject to licensing by the State of
Georgia as a private club;
(3) Any establishment with a license to sell alcoholic beverages which meets the
definition of a qualifying eating establishment as set forth in section 6-2-52 of this
Ordinance, but not to include a Hybrid Restaurant; and
(4) A location for a single event occasion.
(i) No license shall be issued under this Ordinance to any premises which do not meet the
requirements of all state, county, and city laws, ordinances and regulations which would apply to said
premises, including, but not limited to, building, fire, and sanitation codes.
(j) The restrictions on locations as stated herein are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any restrictions
imposed by the laws of the State of Georgia.
(k) If an application is either withdrawn from consideration or denied, no application may be made
by any person for the location for which the withdrawn or denied application was made, for a period of
twelve (12) months from the date of withdrawal or denial; provided, however, if the application is
withdrawn with the unanimous approval of the members of the Augusta-Richmond County Commission,
the one (1) year prohibition shall not apply.
(l) If a license is suspended, no application may be made by any person for the location for which
the suspended license was held, until such time as the period of suspension for said license expires.
(m) If a license is revoked, no application may be made by any person for the location for which the
revoked license was held, for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of revocation.
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Sec. 6-2-65. Same—Additional considerations.
(a) In determining whether or not any license applied for hereunder shall be granted, renewed,
transferred or issued to a new location, in addition to all the provisions of this Ordinance, the following
shall be considered in the public interest and welfare:
(1) Reputation, character. The applicant's reputation, character, trade and business
associations or past business ventures, mental and physical capacity to conduct this
business.
(2) Previous violations of liquor laws. If the applicant is a previous holder of a license to
sell alcoholic liquors, whether or not he has violated any law, regulation or ordinance
relating to such business.
(3) Manner of conducting prior liquor business. If the applicant is a previous holder of a
license to sell alcoholic liquors, the manner in which he conducted the business
thereunder, especially as to the necessity for unusual police observation and inspection in
order to prevent the violation of any law, regulation or ordinance relating to such
business.
(4) Location. The location for which the license is sought, as to traffic congestion,
general character of neighborhood, and the effect such an establishment would have on
the adjacent and surrounding property values.
(5) Number of licenses in trading area. The number of licenses already granted for
similar business in the trading area of the place for which the license is sought.
(6) Dancing. If dancing is to be permitted upon the premises for which the license is
sought and the applicant has previously permitted dancing upon any premises controlled
or supervised by him, the manner in which he controlled or supervised such dancing to
prevent any violation of any law, regulation or ordinance.
(7) Previous revocation of license. If the applicant is a person whose license issued under
the police powers of any governing authority has been previously suspended or revoked
or who has previously had an alcoholic beverages license suspended or revoked.
(8) Payment of taxes. If the applicant and business are not delinquent in the payment of
any local taxes.
(9) Congregation of minors. Any circumstances which may cause minors to congregate
in the vicinity of the proposed location, even if the location meets the distance
requirement under section 6-2-64(b) herein.
(10) Prior incidents. Evidence that a substantial number of incidents requiring police
intervention have occurred within a square city block of the proposed location during the
twelve (12) months immediately preceding the date of application.
(11) Previous Denial or Revocation. The denial of an application, or the revocation of a
license, occurring within the preceding twelve (12) months, which was based on the
qualifications of the proposed location.
(b) If the application is denied, the Augusta-Richmond County Commission shall cause a written
report to be prepared showing the reason or reasons for the denial. The Commission shall return the
application showing its denial, together with the written report, to the Director of Planning &
Development who shall notify the applicant of the denial within five (5) days of the denial. Notice to the
applicant shall be made in writing, showing the reason or reasons for the denial and the day and time of
the next scheduled meeting of the Commission. The applicant may appeal the denial of the application by
serving notice on the Commission requesting reconsideration of the application. The applicant shall serve
said notice, in writing, on the Commission within five (5) days of the receipt of the denial of the
application.
(c) On reconsideration, the Commission shall hear evidence offered by the applicant and any entity
opposing the issuance of the license. The applicant may be represented by counsel, may offer testimony
by witnesses or any other evidence and may question any opposing witnesses. At the close of the
evidence, the Commission shall either uphold its denial or shall approve the issuance of a license.
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Sec. 6-2-66. Time limit for acquiring licenses once approved.
All licenses must be obtained not later than ninety (90) days from the date of the approval of the
application, and, if not so obtained, the license shall be void. Extensions of time under this section shall
be granted only by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission.
Sec. 6-2-67. License fee.
(a) When due and payable. When a license has been approved and granted, the same shall be paid
for by certified check, cashier's check or money order for the full amount of the license fee.
(b) Amount. Each applicant shall pay a license fee as set out herein:
(Fees are subject to change / contact the Planning & Development Department for the current fee
schedule.)
Retail and Wholesale: Fee
(1) Class A: Consumption on-premises beer $625.00 - $665.00
(2) Class B: Retail beer $665.00
(3) Class C: Consumption on-premises wine $625.00 - $665.00
(4) Class D: Retail wine $665.00
(5) Class E: Consumption on-premises liquor $3,115.00 - $3,330.00
(6) Class F: Retail liquor $3,330.00
(7) Class G: Brewery, Manufacturer of Malt Beverages $1,000.00
(8) Class H: Brewpub Operator $1,000.00
(9) Class I: Micro Brewery $1,000.00
(10) Class J: Nano Brewery $1,000.00
(11) Class K: Pico Brewery $1,000.00
(12) Class L: Distillery $1,500.00
(13) Class M: Nano Distillery $1,500.00
(14) Class N: Pico Distillery $1,500.00
(15) Wholesale liquor $6,050.00
(16) Wholesale beer $665.00
(17) Wholesale wine $135.00
(18) Sunday sales $1,245 - $1,330.00
(19) Alcohol Catering $365.00 (flat fee)
(20) Second Alcohol License $625.00 - $665.00
Restaurants and Bars (On-premise consumption)
Occupancy Load / Fee
1 – 100 101 – 200 201 – 300 301+
Beer $625 $635 $650 $665
Wine $625 $635 $650 $665
Liquor $3115 $3175 $3235 $3330
Sunday Sales $1245 $1270 $1295 $1330
Second Alcohol Lic. $625 $635 $650 $665
Sunday Sales Single $250 $275 $300 $325
Event Restaurant and Bars
(c) Proration. The full license fee must be paid for a license issued prior to July 1 of the license year.
One-half (1/2) of the full license fee shall be paid for a license issued after July 1 of the license year.
(d) Refund. In case of the revocation or surrender of such license before the expiration of the
calendar year, the holder thereof shall not be entitled to receive any refund whatsoever.
Sec. 6-2-68. Term of license.
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All licenses granted hereunder shall be for the calendar year.
Sec. 6-2-69. Display of license required.
(a) Every license issued under this Ordinance shall be kept prominently displayed by the holder
thereof at his licensed place of business, and any alcoholic beverage kept, stored or found at said licensed
place of business or at his warehouse shall be presumed to be his property.
(b) Nothing shall require additional licenses for service bars, or portable bars used exclusively for
the purpose of mixing or preparing Alcoholic Beverage drinks when such bars are accessible only to
employees of the licensed establishment and from which Alcoholic Beverage drinks are prepared to be
served on the licensed premises.
Sec. 6-2-70. Licenses not transferable; exceptions; fee; new ownership.
(a) Generally. Licenses hereunder shall not be transferable, except as otherwise provided herein.
Nothing in this section, however, shall prohibit one (1) or more partners of a partnership holding a license
from withdrawing from the partnership in favor of one (1) or more of the partners who were partners at
the time of the issuance of the license.
(b) Exceptions.
(1) Estate administration, etc. In case of the death of any person holding such a license, or
any interest therein, the same may be transferred to the administrator, executor, or the
lawful heirs of the deceased person, if otherwise qualified.
(2) Change of location. Should a transfer of a location be approved, there shall be no
additional license fee, and the new location shall not be considered as a new license
hereunder.
(3) Addition of partners or stockholders. A licensee may take in partners or additional
stockholders where it is determined that the additional capital furnished is to be used
exclusively for additional inventory or expending the facilities of the business, or for
building a new facility, and, where it appears that the licensee himself receives directly
none of the additional capital invested. Under this section an additional partner or new
stockholder must be approved by the Planning & Development Department and the
Richmond County Sheriff's Department.
(4) Procedure for application for exception. Any licensee desiring a transfer of a license
pursuant to an exception hereunder shall notify the Director of Planning & Development
of the basis of the exception and shall provide the Director of Planning & Development
with any information and/or documentation requested in connection with the exception.
The Director of Planning & Development shall then either approve or deny the exception.
If the exception is approved, the license shall be transferred by the Planning &
Development.
(c) Fee for transfers. There shall be a fee of one hundred and twenty dollars ($120.00) for transfers
pursuant to this section. (Fees are subject to change / contact the Planning & Development Department
for the current fee schedule.)
(d) New ownership; retail alcoholic beverage licenses. No retail beer, wine or whiskey license shall
be transferred, but where a change in ownership is contemplated, the new owner or owners shall file a
new application for a license. Changes in license ownership from one (1) party at interest named in the
original application to another party at interest as named in the original application, and changes of
license from one (1) employer or manager to a successor employer or manager, shall not be deemed a
transfer of license within the prohibition against transfer contained in these regulations, so long as there is
no change in the ownership or location. In each instance the Augusta-Richmond County Commission
shall be advised in writing of such change and a complete disclosure of all facts in connection therewith
shall be made at the time such request for change is presented. The Administrator shall have the authority
to approve such a change of license. In the event that the Administrator denies such change of license, the
applicant shall have the right within ten (10) days of such denial to appeal same to the Augusta-Richmond
County Commission. An applicant for a change of license must follow the procedure for applying for an
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alcoholic beverage license, excluding section 6-2-58 and section 6-2-61. A transfer fee from manager to
manager shall be one hundred twenty dollars ($120.00). (Fees are subject to change / contact the
Planning & Development Department for the current fee schedule.)
Sec. 6-2-71. Renewal of licenses.
(a) All licenses granted hereunder shall expire on December 31 of each year. Licensees who desire
to renew their licenses shall file an application therefore, together with the requisite fee with the Planning
& Development Department for such renewal, upon forms approved by the Director of Planning &
Development, on or before December 15th of each year.
(b) All licenses to be renewed for the subsequent calendar year shall be submitted by the Planning
& Development Department to the Commission for approval no later than November 15th of each year.
Any licenses that have been placed on probation, suspension or have been revoked by the Commission
during the year shall be submitted on a separate list by the Planning & Development Department for
review and consideration for approval.
(c) There shall be a penalty fee charged for filing alcoholic beverage renewal application and
license fee payment after the last business weekday of the current year. There shall be a penalty of 20% of
the annual license fee but not less than $300.00, whichever is greater.
If an alcoholic beverage license renewal application and license fee(s) have not been filed with the
Planning & Development Department by January 31st of the renewal year, the license shall be declared
to be abandoned and any relicensing shall require a new application.
Sec. 6-2-72. Denial of application to renew license.
(a) The possession of a license under this Ordinance is a privilege granted by Augusta, Georgia. The
Augusta-Richmond County Commission is hereby authorized to deny the renewal of a license if it finds
to exist any of the grounds constituting due cause to revoke, suspend or place on probation a license, as
stated in section 6-2-74 herein.
(b) When the Sheriff recommends that an application to renew a license be denied, he shall provide
the Director of Planning & Development with a written report describing the reason or reasons for the
recommendation. The Director shall notify the Commission and shall serve written notice on the licensee
at least five (5) days before the next scheduled meeting of the Commission. The notice shall state the
reason(s) given by the Sheriff for his/her recommendation to deny the renewal of the license and the time
and place of the next scheduled meeting of Commission.
(c) Commission shall receive evidence in the same manner described in section 6-2-74.
(d) At the conclusion of the evidence, the Commission shall consider the evidence and shall decide
to grant or to deny the renewal of the license.
(e) If the application is denied, the Commission shall cause a written report to be prepared showing
the reason or reasons for the denial. The Commission shall return the application showing its denial,
together with the written report to the Director of Planning & Development who shall notify the applicant
of the denial within five (5) days of the denial. Notice to the applicant shall be made in writing, showing
the reason or reasons for the denial and the day and time of the next scheduled meeting of the
Commission. The applicant may appeal the denial of the application, by serving notice on the
Commission requesting reconsideration of the application. The applicant shall serve said notice in writing
on the Commission within five (5) days of the receipt of the denial of the application. On reconsideration,
the Commission shall hear evidence offered by the applicant and any entity opposing the issuance of the
license. The applicant may be represented by counsel, may offer testimony by witnesses or any other
evidence and may question opposing witnesses. At the close of the evidence, the Commission shall either
uphold its denial or shall approve the issuance of the renewal license. Provided however, that the licensee
may waive the five (5) day period if the next regular meeting of the Commission is scheduled within less
than five (5) days from the date of the recommendation by the Sheriff.
Sec. 6-2-73. Cancellation of licenses.
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(a) A license issued under this Ordinance expires on December 31 of the year in which issued,
unless it expires or is revoked earlier pursuant to this section.
(b) A license issued under this Ordinance expires upon the individual licensee ceasing to act as
licensee for any reason unless an extension is granted pursuant to subsection (c) herein.
(c) Failure to open for business. All applicants for licenses hereunder must, within one hundred
eighty (180) days after the approval of said license, open for business the establishment referred to in the
application and license and begin the sale of the product or products authorized by the license. Failure to
open the establishment and begin the sales as referred to above within the 180 day period shall serve as
automatic forfeiture and cancellation of the unused license, and no refund of license fee shall be made to
the license holder. Any extension of time under this section shall be granted only by the Augusta-
Richmond County Commission.
(d) Ceasing of operations. Any holder of a license hereunder who shall begin the operation of the
business and sale of the product and products as authorized in the license, but who shall thereafter cease
to operate the business and sale of the product or products authorized in the license for a period of at least
nine (9) months, shall automatically forfeit his license, which license shall, by virtue of said failure to
operate, be cancelled without the necessity of any further action. Any extension of time under this section
shall be granted only by the Commission.
Sec. 6-2-74. Probation, suspension & revocation.
Any license issued under this Ordinance may be put on probation, suspended and/or revoked by the
Augusta-Richmond County Commission after a finding of due cause. Due cause for the probation,
suspension or revocation of a license shall include but shall not be limited to, the following:
(a) A violation of this Ordinance or any State or federal law governing the manufacture, transport,
or sale of alcoholic beverages by the licensee or any person in his employ or in the employ of the
establishment for which the license was issued.
(b) The conviction of the licensee of a crime which would render him or her ineligible to apply for
a license. The term conviction as used herein includes a plea of guilty or nolo contendere.
(c) Failure by the licensee, or any person in his employ or in the employ of the establishment for
which the license was issued, to adequately supervise and monitor the conduct of the employees, patrons
and others on the licensed premises, or on any property owned or leased by the licensee, including but not
limited to parking lots and parking areas, or on any parking lots or areas which may be lawfully used by
patrons of a licensed establishment, in order to protect the safety and well-being of the general public and
of those using the premises.
(d) The revocation of the license or permit of the business to operate by any State, County, City or
other governmental authority due to a violation of any law applicable to the business including, but not
limited to, building codes and health codes.
(e) Falsifying information or making any material misrepresentation on the application for a license
under this Ordinance.
Sec. 6-2-75. Procedure for probation, suspension & revocation.
(a) Upon cause to believe that due cause exists for the probation, suspension or revocation of a
license under this Ordinance, the Director of Planning & Development or head of any department
authorized to inspect the licensed premises, shall file a complaint with the Augusta-Richmond County
Commission. The Director of Planning & Development shall notify the licensee, in writing, of the time
and place of the next meeting when such complaint shall be heard by the Commission or a committee
thereof. Such Notice shall be deemed sufficient when mailed to licensee at the address of the location at
least five (5) days prior to said hearing.
(b) The Commission or committee thereof shall hear the evidence offered by the complaining
authority herein and the evidence offered by the licensee. The licensee may be represented by counsel,
may offer testimony by witnesses or any other evidence and may question the witnesses of the
complaining authority. At the close of the evidence, the Committee shall revoke, suspend or sustain the
license, or place the licensee on probation.
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(c) If the Commission or committee thereof decides to revoke or suspend the license(s), all licenses
issued to the location shall be surrendered to the Director of Planning & Development and no alcohol
shall be sold, served or consumed on the premises.
(d) If the Commission or committee thereof decides to suspend the license(s), it shall state the
number of days of the suspension. The licensee shall surrender the license or licenses to the Director of
Planning & Development, who shall return the license(s) to the licensee at the end of the suspension
period. No alcohol shall be sold, served or consumed at the location during the period of suspension.
(e) If the Commission or committee thereof sustains the license, the license shall remain in effect as
issued.
(f) If the Commission or committee thereof decides to place the licensee on probation, it shall state
the number of days of the probation. The licensee shall retain the license or licenses during the period of
the probation period.
(g) The decision of the Commission or committee thereof may be appealed by either the licensee or
the complaining authority by serving notice in writing on the Commission Chief Administrative Officer
within five (5) days of the day of the hearing before the Commission or committee thereof. The filing of a
notice of appeal shall have no effect on the status of the license as decided by the Commission or
committee thereof and if the license was placed on probation, suspended or revoked, it shall remain so
until said status is changed by the Commission.
(h) If a notice of appeal is filed with the Augusta-Richmond County Chief Administrative Officer,
he/she shall notify the appellant of the next scheduled meeting of the Commission, at least five (5) days
before the date of the meeting; provided, however, that the five (5) day period may be waived by
agreement of both parties.
(i) At the appeal hearing, the Commission shall hear the evidence offered by the complaining
authority and the evidence offered by the licensee. The licensee may be represented by counsel, may offer
testimony by witnesses or any other evidence and may question the witnesses of the complaining
authority. At the close of the evidence, the Commission shall affirm or reverse its prior decision.
(j) If the Commission decides to affirm its revocation of the license(s), all licenses issued to the
location, if not already surrendered, shall be surrendered to the Director of Planning & Development and
no alcohol shall be sold, served or consumed on the premises.
(k) If the Commission decides to affirm its suspension of the license(s), it shall state the number of
days of the suspension. The licensee shall surrender the license or licenses, if not already surrendered, to
the Director of Planning & Development who shall return the license(s) to the licensee at the end of the
suspension period. No alcohol shall be sold, served or consumed at the location during the period of
suspension.
(l) If the Commission reverses its prior action with regard to the license and the Director of Planning
& Development has possession of the license or licenses, the license(s) shall be promptly returned to the
licensee.
(m) If the Commission or committee thereof decides to affirm its decision to place the licensee on
probation, it shall state the number of days of the probation. The licensee shall retain the license or
licenses during the period of the probation period.
Sec. 6-2-76. Distance between locations of licensees.
(a) No retail dealer license (Class F) for the sale of distilled spirits shall be issued to any applicant
whose proposed location is within five hundred (500) yards or less from an existing location or
establishment for which Augusta, Georgia has issued a retail dealer license for the sale of distilled spirits.
(b) The distances provided for herein shall be measured in the same manner as provided in section
6-2-64(e) of this Ordinance.
(c) The distance requirements provided for herein shall not be construed or interpreted as
prohibiting an applicant, who is otherwise qualified, from being approved and granted a license which
constitutes a transfer in ownership of an existing license for distilled spirits which was previously held by
an owner or operator of an existing establishment.
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Sec. 6-2-77. License for single event; occasional license.
(a) Application may be made for an occasional, single event license for on-premises
consumption of alcoholic beverages as follows:
(1) For-profit applicant. If the applicant is an agent for a for-profit business, the
applicant must possess a valid license for the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-
premises consumption under this chapter.
(2) Nonprofit applicant. An agent for a non-profit organization may apply for a
single event license whether or not he/she possesses a license under this chapter.
(3) Sunday Sales Single Event. Restaurants as defined in Section 6-2-52 with a
current Alcohol License that are not otherwise licensed for Sunday sales, are
allowed to apply for a single event Sunday sales license two (2) times in a
calendar year.
(3a) Sunday Sales Single Event for Bars - as defined in Section 6-2-2. In accordance
with O.C.G.A. 3-3-7, Augusta Georgia Commission by adoption of a resolution
may authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises
from 12:30 P.M. until 12:00 Midnight on one Sunday during each calendar year
that shall be designated in such resolution.
1. The sale of alcoholic beverages is authorized for consumption on-premises in
bars on the designated Sunday between the hours of 12:30 P.M. until 12:00
Midnight; provided further that said premises shall be vacated of all persons,
including employees, by no later than 1:30 A.M. Monday.
(4) Advertisement. All persons, firms or corporations desiring to engage in the sale
of alcoholic beverages for a single event shall give notice of their intention to
make such application by advertisement in form prescribed by Augusta-
Richmond County Director of Planning & Development. Advertising, as referred
to in this section, means there shall be a sign posted thirty (30) days prior to the
hearing of the application in a prominent position on the property (e.g., front
window where it can be read from the road); also, all new license applicants shall
be required to advertise three (3) times in the legal gazette (Augusta Chronicle)
before applications are heard by the Commission. Advertising in the legal gazette
shall be during the thirty-day period prior to the hearing of the application by the
Commission. Before the application is presented to the Commission, the applicant
shall furnish proof that the advertisement has been completed as required
hereinabove. The above provisions regarding advertisement shall not apply to an
application to sell alcoholic beverages in or on any museum, cultural center or
facility, public park, playground, or building owned or operated by Augusta-
Richmond County, Georgia Port Authority, or at a location on Riverwalk which
has been designated as An Alcohol Beverage Location by Riverwalk Augusta (see
Section 6-2-5), nor shall the above provisions regarding advertisement apply to
events held by non-profit organizations or restaurants or bars applying for a single
event Sunday sales license.
(5) Form; information to be provided. Application for a single event license must
be made in writing as provided in section 6-2-58 hereof; provided, however, that
no plat shall be required, but the approximate distance of the premises for which
the license is being applied from the nearest church, school, library, public
recreation area, housing authority property, or alcohol treatment center shall be
stated on the application.
(6) Date due; fee. The application for a license hereunder shall be made at least one
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(1) month prior to the date of the scheduled event and / or in sufficient time to
allow for advertisement, as required herein. For-Profit applicants and Non-Profit
applicants shall pay a regulatory fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per day of
the event by certified check, cashier's check or money order made payable to the
Augusta-Richmond County Commission. A bar or restaurant shall pay a
regulatory fee of two hundred fifty dollars to three hundred twenty-five dollars
($250.00 - $325.00) per Sunday Sales Single Event by certified check, cashier's
check or money order made payable to the Augusta-Richmond County
Commission. (Fees are subject to change / contact the Planning & Development
Department for the current fee schedule.)
(7) Occasional, single event. The event for which the occasional, single event
license is sought by the For-Profit and Non-Profit applicants may not exceed
seven (7) calendar days in duration and the licensee shall not be eligible for an
occasional event license more frequently than once every three (3) months, except
in any area in which no advertisement is necessary pursuant to Section (a) (4)
above. A Sunday Sales Single Event restaurant licensee shall not be eligible for an
occasional single event license more frequently than two (2) times in a calendar
year.
(8) Untrue or misleading information; material omissions. Any untrue or misleading
information contained in, or material omission left out of, an application for a
license hereunder shall be cause for the denial of the license; and, if any license
has been granted under such circumstances, the license shall be subject to
revocation.
(9) Grounds for denial. In addition to the other grounds provided in this Ordinance
for the denial of a license, an application for an occasional, single event license
may be denied on one or more of the following grounds:
a. The location or terrain for the proposed event may be hazardous to a
person consuming alcoholic beverages.
b. The number of anticipated attendants of the event renders the
consumption of alcoholic beverages a danger to the safety of the public.
c. The proposed location for the event is in an area in which numerous
incidents requiring police intervention occurred.
d. The applicant is not eligible for a license under this Ordinance pursuant
to sections 6-2-61, 6-2-62 and/or 6-2-63.
e. There is evidence from this or other jurisdictions that the activities
combined with consumption of alcoholic beverages, may cause a danger
to the safety of the attendants or the public.
(10) Procedures.
a. The Director of Planning & Development shall forward the application
to the Recreation Department Director, if applicable, and then forward to
the Richmond County Sheriff, who shall indicate his approval or
disapproval of the application. The Sheriff may condition the approval of
such application on the licensee's providing a sufficient number of security
personnel for the protection of the public during the event. If approved, the
application shall be forwarded back to the Planning & Development
Department for processing as stated in 6-2-77(a) 4.
b. For such applications from Non-Profit organizations and Sunday Sales
Single Event Restaurant and Bar applicants, the Director of Planning &
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Development Department with a written approval report from the Sheriff,
and Recreation Department if applicable, shall grant the license. The
Director of Planning & Development shall issue the license. The license
shall be valid for the location, date(s) and time(s) specified therein only.
c. If the Sheriff and / or Recreation Department if applicable, denies the
application, the Director of Planning & Development shall promptly notify
the applicant in writing of the reason(s) for the denial.
(11) Appeal. An applicant may appeal the denial of a license under this subsection
by filing written notice with the Augusta-Richmond County Commission Chief
Administrative Officer within five (5) days of receiving notice of the denial. The
Commission shall hear the evidence and make its determination at its next
regularly scheduled meeting. Notice of the next scheduled meeting of the
Commission shall be served on the applicant at least three (3) days prior to the
meeting, unless the three-day period is waived by the applicant. The Commission
shall receive evidence in the manner provided in section 6-2-74 herein and shall
decide to uphold or reverse the decision of the Chairman-Mayor of Augusta-
Richmond County.
Secs. 6-2-78—6-2-100. Reserved.
ARTICLE 3
EXCISE TAX MALT BEVERAGES, WHISKEY, WINE
Sec. 6-2-101. Levy; schedule.
Each wholesaler who sells to retailers located in Augusta, Georgia shall pay an excise tax in the amount
of $0.22 per liter on the sale of liquors and wines, and an excise tax in the amount of $0.05 per 12 ounces
on the sale of malt beverages (or proportionately thereof so as to graduate the tax on bottles, cans and
containers of various sizes) plus an excise tax on malt beverages of $6.00 for each container of 15 and 1/2
gallons and a like rate for fractional parts thereof.
Sec. 6-2-102. In addition to other license fees, etc.
The excise tax provided for in this article shall be in addition to any license fee, tax or charge which may
now or in the future be imposed upon the business of selling malt beverages, whiskey or wine at retail or
wholesale, within Augusta-Richmond County.
Sec. 6-2-103. Payment.
The excise tax shall be paid as follows: Each wholesale dealer selling malt beverages within Augusta-
Richmond County shall file with the Planning & Development Department a report by the tenth day of
each month showing, for the preceding calendar month, the exact quantities of beverages by size and type
of container, constituting a beginning and ending inventory for the month, sold within Augusta-Richmond
County. Each such liquor and wine wholesale dealer shall also remit to the Planning & Development
Department, on the twentieth of each month succeeding the calendar month in which such sales were
made, the amount of excise tax due by check payable to the Augusta-Richmond County Commission, in
accordance with this section, with no discount by state law. All books and records of each such wholesale
dealer shall be subject to inspection and audit by the Planning & Development Department to verify
compliance with this section. Wholesale dealers of whiskey and wine shall file this report by the twentieth
day of each month.
Sec. 6-2-104. Collection fee discount; penalties for nonpayment.
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(a) Each wholesale dealer of whiskey or wine shall be allowed to deduct two and one-half (21/2)
percent as a collection fee on the excise tax collected each month. Upon the failure to make a timely
report and remittance on the twentieth day of the month next succeeding the calendar month in which
such sales were made, the collection fee shall be forfeited. Failure to make a timely report and remittance
within thirty (30) days after the twentieth day of the month next succeeding the month in which such sales
were made shall render a wholesale dealer liable for a penalty equal to ten (10) percent of the total
amount due during the first thirty-day period following the date such report and remittance were due; and
a further penalty of five (5) percent of the amount of such remittance for each successive thirty-day
period, or any portion thereof, during which such report and remittance are not filed. The filing of a false
or fraudulent report shall render the wholesale dealer making such report liable for a penalty equal to fifty
(50%) percent of the amount of remittance which would be required under an accurate and truthful report.
(b) Each wholesale dealer of malt beverages upon the failure to make a timely report and remittance
on the tenth day of the month next succeeding the calendar month in which such sales were made shall
render a wholesale dealer liable for a penalty equal to 5% of the amount due or $50, whichever is greater;
and a further penalty of five (5) percent of the amount of such remittance for each successive thirty-day
period, or any portion thereof, during which such report and remittance are not filed. The filing of a false
or fraudulent report shall render the wholesale dealer making such report liable for a penalty equal to fifty
(50%) percent of the amount of remittance which would be required under an accurate and truthful report.
Sec. 6-2-105. Appropriation of beer excise tax revenue.
All proceeds from the beer excise tax imposed by this article are hereby appropriated by the Augusta-
Richmond County Commission.
Secs. 6-2-106—6-2-115. Reserved.
ARTICLE 4
MIXED DRINKS
Sec. 6-2-116. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases shall, for the purpose of this article, be defined as follows:
(a) Alcoholic beverage. Any beverage containing alcohol obtained by distillation, including rum,
whiskey, gin and other spirituous liquors by whatever name called, but not including malt beverages,
fermented wines or fortified wines.
(b) Person. An individual, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, social club, fraternal
organization, joint stock company, corporation, nonprofit corporation or cooperative nonprofit
membership, estate, trust, business trust, receiver, trustee, syndicate or any other group or combination
acting a unit, the plural as well as the singular number, excepting the United States of America, the State
of Georgia, and any political subdivision of either thereof upon which the Augusta-Richmond County
Commission is without power to impose the tax herein provided.
(c) Purchaser. Any person who orders and gives present or future consideration for any alcoholic
beverages by the drink.
(d) Licensee. Any person who holds a permit from Richmond County, the City of Augusta, or
Augusta-Richmond County to sell alcoholic beverages by the drink.
(e) Drink. Any alcoholic beverage served for consumption on the premises, which may or may not
be diluted by any other liquid.
(f) Purchase price. The consideration received for the sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink
valued in money, whether received in cash or otherwise, including all receipts, cash, credits and property
or services of any kind or nature and also the amount for which credit is allowed by the licensee to the
purchaser, without any deduction therefrom whatsoever.
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(g) Agent. That person designated by a licensee in his application for a license to sell alcoholic
beverages by the drink in Augusta-Richmond County.
(h) Tax. The tax imposed by this article.
(i) Monthly period. The calendar month of the year.
(j) Director of Planning & Development. That person named as director of the Richmond County
Planning & Development Department, or any designated representative thereof.
Sec. 6-2-117. Imposition and rate of tax.
There is hereby imposed and levied upon every sale of an alcoholic beverage purchased by the drink in
Augusta-Richmond County a tax in the amount of three (3) percent of the purchase price of said beverage.
Sec. 6-2-118. Purchaser's receipt; creditor deferred payment.
Every licensee for the sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink operating a place of business in Augusta-
Richmond County shall, at the time of collecting for food and drinks served, give to the purchaser a
receipt on which the price of alcoholic beverages served shall be itemized separately. Where the charges
for food and drink are satisfied by credit card or deferred payment at hotels or motels, the payment of the
tax to the licensee may be deferred in a like manner; however, the licensee shall be liable therefor at the
time and to the extent that such credits are incurred.
Sec. 6-2-119. Persons liable for tax.
Every licensee or his agent is hereby authorized and directed to collect the tax herein imposed from
purchasers of alcoholic beverages by the drink sold within his licensed premises. Such licensee or his
agent shall furnish such information as may be requested by the Director of Planning & Development to
facilitate the collection of this tax.
Sec. 6-2-120. Determinations, returns and payments.
(a) Due date of taxes. All taxes collected by any licensee or agent hereunder shall be due and
payable to the Director of Planning & Development of Augusta-Richmond County monthly on or before
the twentieth day of every month next succeeding each respective monthly period, as set forth in section
6-2-103 herein.
(b) Return; time of filing; persons required to file; execution.
On or before the twentieth day of the month following each monthly period, a return for the preceding
monthly period shall be filed with the Director of Planning & Development of Augusta-Richmond
County in such form as the director may prescribe by every licensee or agent liable for the payment of tax
hereunder.
(c) Contents of return. All returns shall show the gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages
by the drink, amount of tax collected or authorized due for the related period, and such other information
as may be required by the Director of Planning & Development.
(d) Delivery of return and remittance. The person required to file the return shall deliver the return,
together with the remittance of the net amount of tax due to Planning & Development Department, 1815
Marvin Griffin Road, Augusta, Ga. 30906, for Augusta-Richmond County.
(e) Collection fee allowed operators. Operators collecting the tax shall be allowed to receive a
percentage of the tax due and accounted for and shall be reimbursed in the form of a deduction in
submitting, reporting and paying the amount due, if said amount is not delinquent at the time of payment.
The rate of the deduction shall be the same rate authorized for deductions from state tax under the
Georgia Retailers' and Consumers' Sales and Use Tax Act, approved February 20, 1951 (Ga. Laws, P.
360) as now or hereafter amended.
Sec. 6-2-121. Deficiency determinations.
(a) Recomputation of tax; authority to make; basis of recomputation.
If the Director of Planning & Development is not satisfied with the return or returns of the tax, or the
amount of the tax to be paid to the Augusta-Richmond County Commission by any person, he may
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compute and determine the amount required to be paid upon the basis of any information within his
possession or
that may come into his possession. One or more than one deficiency determination may be made of the
amount due for one or more than one monthly period.
(b) Interest on deficiency. The amount of the deficiency determination, exclusive of penalties, shall
bear interest at the rate of one (1) percent per month or fraction thereof from the twentieth day after the
close of the monthly period in which the amount or any portion thereof should have been returned until
the date of payment.
(c) Offsetting of overpayment. In making a deficiency determination, the Director of Planning &
Development may offset overpayment, for a period or periods, against underpayment, for another period
or periods, against penalties, and against the interest on underpayment. The interest on overpayment shall
be computed in the manner set forth in subsection (b) above.
(d) Penalty; negligence or disregard of rules and regulations. If any part of the deficiency for which
a deficiency determination has been made is due to negligence or disregard of rules and regulations, a
penalty of twenty-five (25) percent of the amount of such deficiency shall be added thereto.
(e) Penalty for fraud or intent to evade. If any part of the deficiency for which a deficiency
determination is made is due to fraud or an intent to evade any provisions of this article or other
authorized rules and regulations, a penalty of fifty (50) percent of the deficiency shall be added thereto.
(f) Notice of Director of Planning & Development's determination; service of. The Director of
Planning & Development, or his designated representative, shall give to the licensee written notice of his
deficiency determination. The notice may be served personally or by mail; if by mail such service shall be
pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 9-11-4 and shall be addressed to the licensee at his address as it appears in the
records of the Director of Planning & Development. In case of service by mail of any notice required by
this article, the service is complete at the time of deposit in the United States Post Office.
(g) Time within which notice of deficiency determination to be mailed. Except in the case of fraud,
intent to evade this article or authorized rules or regulations, or failure to make a return, every notice of a
deficiency determination shall be mailed within three (3) years after the twentieth day of every month
following the monthly period for which the amount is proposed to be determined, or within three (3) years
after the return is filed, whichever period should last expire.
Sec. 6-2-122. Determination if no return made.
(a) Estimate of gross receipts. If any licensee fails to make a return, the Director of Planning &
Development shall make an estimate of the amount of the gross receipts of the licensee, or as the case
may be, of the amount of the total sales in Augusta-Richmond County which are subject to the tax. The
estimate shall be made for the period or periods in respect to which the licensee failed to make the return
and shall be based upon any information which is in, or may come into, the possession of the Director of
Planning & Development. Upon the basis of this estimate, the Director of Planning & Development shall
compute and determine the amount required to be paid the Commission, adding to the sum thus
determined a penalty equal to fifteen (15) percent thereof. One (1) or more deficiency determinations
may be made for one (1) or for more than one (1) period.
(b) Manner of computation; offsets; interest. In making a determination under this section, the
Director of Planning & Development may offset overpayment for a period or penalties against the interest
on the underpayment. The interest on underpayment shall be computed in the manner set forth in section
6-2-121(c).
(c) Interest on amount found due. The amount of the determination under this section, exclusive of
penalties, shall bear interest at the rate of one (1) percent per month, or fraction thereof, from the
twentieth day of the month following the monthly period, for which the amount or any portion thereof
should have been returned, until the date of payment.
(d) Penalty for fraud or intent to evade. If the failure of any person to file a return is due to fraud or
an intent to evade this article or rules and regulations, a penalty of twenty five (25) percent of the amount
required to be paid by the person, exclusive of penalties, shall be added thereto in addition to the twenty
(20) percent penalty provided in section 6-2-121(d).
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(e) Giving of notice; manner of service. Promptly after making his determination, the Director of
Planning & Development shall give to the person written notice, to be served personally or by mail in the
manner prescribed for service of notice of a deficiency determination.
Sec. 6-2-123. Penalties and interest for failure to pay tax.
Any licensee who fails to pay the tax herein imposed to the Augusta-Richmond County Commission, or
fails to pay any amount of such tax required to be collected and paid to the Commission, within the time
required, shall pay a penalty of ten (10) percent of the tax, or amount of the tax, in addition to the tax or
amount of the tax, plus interest on the unpaid tax or any portion thereof, as set forth in section 6-2-121(b).
Sec. 6-2-124. Collection of tax.
(a) Security, Director of Planning & Development may exact; amount; sale of; notice of sale, return
of surplus. The Director of Planning & Development, whenever he deems it necessary to ensure
compliance with this article, may require any person subject hereto to deposit with him such security as
the director may determine. The amount of the security shall be fixed by the director but shall not be
greater than twice the person's estimated average liability for the period for which he files returns,
determined in such a manner as the director deems proper, or ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00),
whichever amount is the lesser. The amount of the security may be increased by the Director of Planning
& Development subject to the limitations herein provided. The director may sell the security at public
auction, with the approval of the Augusta-Richmond County Commission, if it becomes necessary to do
so in order to recover any tax or any amount required to be collected, interest or penalty due. Notice of the
sale may be served upon the person who deposited the security personally or by mail; if by mail, service
shall be made in the manner prescribed for service of a notice of a deficiency determination and shall be
addressed to the person at his address as it appears in the records of the Director of Planning &
Development. Upon any sale, any surplus above the amounts due shall be returned to the person who
deposited the security.
(b) Notice of delinquency to persons holding, credits or property of delinquent; time for; duty of
persons so notified. If any person is delinquent in the payment of the amount required to be paid by him,
or in the event a determination has been made against him which remains unpaid, the Director of Planning
& Development may, not later than three (3) years after the payment became delinquent, give notice
thereof by registered mail to all persons in Augusta-Richmond County having in their possession or under
their control any credits or other personal property belonging to the delinquent, or owing any debts to the
delinquent. After receiving the notice, the persons so notified shall neither transfer nor make any other
disposition of the credits, other personal property or debts in their possession or under their control at the
time they receive the notice until the director consents to a transfer or disposition or until twenty (20) days
elapse after the receipt of the notice. All persons so notified shall, within five (5) days after receipt of the
notice, advise the director of all these credits, other personal property, or debts in their possession, under
their control or owing by them.
(c) Action for tax; time for. At any time within three (3) years after any tax or any amount of tax
required to be collected becomes due and payable and at any time within three (3) years after the
delinquency of any tax or any amount of tax required to be collected, the Director of Planning &
Development may bring an action in the courts of this state, or any other state, or of the United States, in
the name of the Augusta-Richmond County Commission, to collect the amount delinquent, together with
penalties and interest, court fees, filing fees, attorney's fees and other legal fees incident thereto.
(d) Duty of successors or assignees of operator to withhold tax from purchase money. If any
operator liable for any amount under this article sells out his business or quits the business, his successors
or assigns shall withhold sufficient of the purchase price to cover such amount due and owing until the
former owner produces a receipt from the Director of Planning & Development showing that he has been
paid or a certificate stating that no amount is due.
(e) Liability for failure to withhold; certificate of notice of amount due; time to enforce successor's
liability. If the purchaser of a business fails to withhold the purchase price as required under subsection
(d) above, he becomes personally liable for the payment of the amount required to be withheld by him to
LICENSE AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS
38
Augusta Alcohol Ordinance
Proposed Amendments April 11, 2018
(Alcohol Ordinance amended micro breweries, etc 20180411)
the extent of the purchase price valued in money. Within thirty (30) days after receiving a written request
from the purchaser for a certificate, the Director of Planning & Development shall either issue the
certificate or mail notice to the purchaser at his address as it appears on the records of the Director of
Planning & Development of the amount that must be paid as a condition of issuing the certificate. The
time within which the obligation of a successor may be enforced shall start to run at the time the operator
sells out his business or at the time that the determination against the operator becomes final, whichever
event occurs later.
(f) Refund of tax, penalty or interest paid more than once or illegally collected. Whenever the
amount of any tax, penalty or interest has been paid more than once, or has been erroneously or illegally
collected or received by Augusta-Richmond County under this Ordinance, it may be offset as provided in
section 6-2-121(c) or it may be refunded, provided a verified claim in writing therefor, stating the specific
ground upon which the claim is founded, is filed with the Director of Planning & Development within
three (3) years from the date of payment. The claim shall be audited and shall be made on forms provided
by the director. If the claim is approved by the director and the Augusta-Richmond County Commission,
the excess amount collected or paid may be refunded or may be credited on any amounts then due and
payable from the person from whom it was collected or by whom paid; and the balance may be refunded
to this person, his administrators or executors.
Sec. 6-2-125. Administration of article.
(a) Authority of Director of Planning & Development. The Director of Planning & Development
shall administer and enforce the provisions of this article for the levy and collection of the tax imposed by
this article.
(b) Rules and regulation. The Director of Planning & Development shall have the power and
authority to make and publish reasonable rules and regulations not inconsistent with this article or other
laws of Augusta-Richmond County and the State of Georgia, or the constitution of this state or the United
States for the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this article and the collection of the
taxes hereunder.
(c) Records required for operators, etc.; form. Every licensee for the sale of alcoholic beverages by
the drink in this county to a person shall keep such records, receipts, invoices and other pertinent papers
in such form as the Director of Planning & Development may require.
(d) Examination of records; audits.
(1) The Director of Planning & Development, auditor of Augusta-Richmond County, or any
person authorized in writing by the director, may examine the books, papers, records,
financial reports, equipment and other facilities of any licensee liable for the tax, in order
to verify the accuracy of any return made, or if no return is made by the licensee, to
ascertain and determine the amount required to be paid.
(2) Upon demand by the Director of Planning & Development, auditor, or designated
representative, any person holding a license from Augusta-Richmond County, shall open
to the Director of Planning & Development, auditor, or designated representative, his
place or places of business for the purpose of enabling the director or his representative to
ascertain and gain such information as may be necessary for determination of the proper
classification of such license holder for license fee purposes and determination of the
correct amount of license fee to which such person is subject. Upon demand by the
Director of Planning & Development, or his designated representative, any person
holding a license from Augusta-Richmond County shall furnish the director or his
representative, during normal business hours at such person's place of business, all books
of account, invoices, papers, reports and memoranda containing entries showing amount
of purchases, sale receipts, inventory and other information, ascertained and from which
the correct amount of the fee to which he is subject may be determined, including
exhibition of bank deposit books, bank statements, and copies of sales tax reports,
employee W-2’s, 1099 Forms, and any other such documents as Augusta-Richmond
County may deem necessary. Any person holding a license from Augusta-Richmond
LICENSE AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS
39
Augusta Alcohol Ordinance
Proposed Amendments April 11, 2018
(Alcohol Ordinance amended micro breweries, etc 20180411)
County shall secure, preserve, maintain and keep for a period of three years the records
and documents enumerated and referred to in this section.
(e) Authority to require reports; contents. In administration of the provisions of this article, the
Director of Planning & Development may require the filing of reports by any person or class of persons
having in such person's or persons’ possession or custody information relating to sales of alcoholic
beverages which are subject to the tax. The reports shall be filed with the Director of Planning &
Development when required by the director and shall set forth the price charged for each sale, the date or
dates of sale and such other information as the Director of Planning & Development may require.
(f) Disclosure of business of operators, etc.; limitations on rule. The Director of Planning &
Development or any person having an administrative duty under this article shall not make known in any
manner the business affairs, operations or information obtained by an audit of books, papers, records,
financial reports, equipment and other facilities of any licensee or any other person visited or examined in
the discharge of official duty, or the amount of source of income, profits, losses, expenditures or any
particular thereof, set forth or disclosed in any return, or to permit any return or copy thereof or any book
containing any abstract or particulars thereof to be seen or examined by any person not having such
administrative duty under this Ordinance, except in the case of judicial proceedings or other proceedings
necessary to collect the tax hereby levied and assessed. Successors, receivers, trustees, executors,
administrators, and assignees, if directly interested, may be given information as to the items included in
the measure and amount of unpaid tax or amounts of tax required to be collected, interest and penalties.
Sec. 6-2-126. Revocation of license.
The continuous failure to pay the above prescribed tax shall render the dealer or person liable therefor
subject to revocation of their alcoholic beverage license(s) in accordance with the procedures set out in
the Code of Augusta-Richmond County.
Sec. 6-2-127. Severability.
If any section, provision, or clause of any part of this Ordinance shall be declared invalid or
unconstitutional, or if the provisions of any part of this Ordinance as applied to any particular situation or
set of circumstances shall be declared invalid or unconstitutional, such individuality shall not be
construed to affect the portions of this Ordinance not so held to be invalid, or the application of this
Ordinance to other circumstances not so held to be invalid. It is hereby declared as the intent that this
Ordinance would have been adopted had such invalid portion not been included herein.
Secs. 6-2-128—6-2-140. Reserved.
ARTICLE 5
SALES OFF PREMISES FOR CATERED FUNCTIONS
Sec. 6-2-141. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the term:
(a) Food caterer. Any person who prepares food for consumption off the premises.
(b) Caterer - Licensed alcoholic beverage caterer. Any retail dealer who has been licensed by
Augusta, Georgia pursuant to this chapter and pursuant to Georgia law.
(c) Person. Any individual, company, corporation, association, partnership, or other legal entity.
Sec. 6-2-142. Licensed alcoholic beverage caterers eligible for off-premise licenses; application fee.
(a) Any licensed alcoholic beverage caterer who additionally holds a valid license from a county or
municipality in the State of Georgia which authorizes the licensee to sell malt beverages or wine by the
drink for consumption on the premises may be issued from Augusta an off-premise license which
authorizes such licensed alcoholic beverage caterer to sell malt beverages or wine by the drink off
premises and in connection with an authorized catered function.
LICENSE AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS
40
Augusta Alcohol Ordinance
Proposed Amendments April 11, 2018
(Alcohol Ordinance amended micro breweries, etc 20180411)
(b) Any licensed alcoholic beverage caterer who additionally holds a valid license from a county or
municipality in the State of Georgia which authorizes the licensee to sell malt beverages or wine by the
package for consumption off the premises may be issued from Augusta an off-premise license which
authorizes such licensed alcoholic beverage caterer to sell malt beverages or wine by the drink off
premises and in connection with an authorized catered function.
(c) Any licensed alcoholic beverage caterer who additionally holds a valid license from a county or
municipality in the State of Georgia which authorizes the licensee to sell distilled spirits by the drink for
consumption on the premises may be issued from Augusta an off-premise license which authorizes such
licensed alcoholic beverage caterer to sell distilled spirits by the drink off premises and in connection with
an authorized catered function.
(d) Any licensed alcoholic beverage caterer who additionally holds a valid license from a county or
municipality in the State of Georgia which authorizes the licensee to sell distilled spirits by the package
for consumption off the premises may be issued from Augusta an off-premise license which authorizes
such licensed alcoholic beverage caterer to sell distilled spirits by the drink off premises and in
connection with an authorized catered function.
(e) An alcoholic beverage caterer shall make application for an off-premise license as provided in
subsections (a) and (c) or subsections (b) and (d) of this Code section with the Augusta-Richmond County
Commission through the Director of Planning & Development, and shall pay to Augusta an annual
license fee in the amount of three hundred sixty-five ($365.00) dollars.
Sec. 6-2-143. Event permits.
In order to distribute or sell distilled spirits, malt beverages, or wine at an authorized catered function in
Augusta, a licensed alcoholic beverage caterer shall be required to:
(a) Apply to the Augusta-Richmond County Commission through the Director of Planning &
Development for an event permit. Augusta shall charge a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for such
event permit except as hereinafter provided for one whose alcoholic beverage caterer's license was issued
by a political subdivision other than Augusta. The application shall include the name of the caterer; the
date, address, and time of the event; and the licensed alcoholic beverage caterer's license number. When
the catered function is domiciled in Augusta and the alcoholic beverage caterer's license was issued by a
political subdivision other than Augusta, Augusta shall charge an event permit fee of fifty dollars ($50.00)
and levy local excise taxes on the total quantity of alcoholic beverages brought into such political
subdivision by the caterer. Applications for event permits should be made to the Director of Planning &
Development in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter; and
(b) Provide satisfactory reports to Augusta on forms provided by the Department of Planning &
Development stating the quantity of any and all alcoholic beverages transported from the licensee's
primary premises to the location of the authorized catered function and such other information as
required by Augusta; and
(c) Maintain original local event permits and documents required by Augusta in the vehicle
transporting the alcoholic beverages to the catered function at all times.
Sec. 6-2-144. Violations.
(a) It shall be unlawful for a food caterer to distribute or sell distilled spirits, malt beverages, or
wine off the premises of the food caterer's business without a license issued pursuant to this chapter. This
subsection shall not affect any other provisions of this chapter which may require a food caterer who has a
license to sell alcoholic beverages on the premises of the food caterer's business.
(b) It shall be unlawful for a licensed alcoholic beverage caterer licensed under this chapter to
distribute or sell distilled spirits, malt beverages, or wine off premises except in connection with an
authorized catered function within the scope of the event permit.
(c) It shall be unlawful for a licensed alcoholic beverage caterer to distribute or sell.
(1) Distilled spirits in any jurisdiction which does not permit the sale of distilled spirits by
the drink for consumption only on the premises.
(2) Malt beverages or wine in any jurisdiction which does not permit the sale of malt
LICENSE AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS
41
Augusta Alcohol Ordinance
Proposed Amendments April 11, 2018
(Alcohol Ordinance amended micro breweries, etc 20180411)
beverages or wine by the drink for consumption only on the premises.
(d) It shall be unlawful for a licensed alcoholic beverage caterer to distribute or sell distilled spirits,
malt beverages, or wine during any hours in which the sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink for
consumption only on the premises is not permitted by Augusta.
(e) Sunday sales. An alcoholic beverage caterer wishing to cater an event or function on Sunday
must comply with the requirements of state law with respect to the service of alcoholic beverages on
Sunday.
(f) It shall be unlawful for a licensed alcoholic beverage caterer to employ any person under
twenty-one (21) years of age who, in the course of such employment, would dispense, serve, sell, or
handle alcoholic beverages. It is the intent of this subsection to prevent any person employed by such
caterer, or any other employee, to knowingly violate any prohibitions contained in this Code relating to
furnishing alcoholic beverages to, and purchase and possession of alcoholic beverages by, a person under
twenty-one (21) years of age.
(g) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages by a
caterer in any jurisdiction where the sale of distilled spirits by the drink for consumption only on the
premises has not been legalized.
(h) Any licensee hereunder, or any person employed by licensee or business for which the license
was granted, who violates the provisions of this Code section shall subject the license of the licensee to
suspension or revocation, and the individual shall be subject to trial and conviction of a misdemeanor and
shall be punished as provided in section 1-6-1 of this Code.
Sec. 6-2-145. Severability.
If any section, provision, or clause or any part of this article shall be declared invalid or unconstitutional,
or if the provisions of any part of this article as applied to any particular situation or set of circumstances
shall be declared invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity shall not be construed to affect the portions
of this article not so held to be invalid, or the application of this article to other circumstances not so held
to be invalid. It is hereby declared as the intent that this article would have been adopted had such invalid
portion not been included herein.
Public Service Committee Meeting
4/24/2018 1:00 PM
Alcohol Ordinance Amendments
Department:Planning & Development
Presenter:Rob Sherman
Caption:Approve amendments to the Augusta, Georgia Code, Title 6,
Chapter 2, Article 1, Alcoholic Beverages, to include additional
definitions, amendments to comply with State regulations, and
amendments for regulating brewpubs, breweries, and distilleries.
Background:The State Code amendments regulating alcohol include
definitions, minimum age for working in bars, and provisions to
allow breweries and distilleries to have on-premise consumption
and retail sales of their respective products. The Augusta
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance was recently amended to
provide zoning designations for breweries and distilleries. The
proposed Alcohol Ordinance amendments reflect these changes.
Analysis:The proposed amendments will keep the Augusta Alcohol
ordinance current with the State alcohol codes and provide
regulations for the operation of brewpubs, breweries, and
distilleries.
Financial Impact:The Alcohol License for brewpubs and breweries is $1,000.00,
and $1,500.00 for distilleries.
Alternatives:N/A
Recommendation:Approve
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
N/A
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Finance.
Law.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
AGENDA ITEM REQUEST FORM
Commission meetings: First and third Tuesdays of each month - 2:00 p.m.
Committee meetings: Second and last Tuesdays of each month - 1,:00 p.m.
Commission/Committee: @Iease check one and insert meeting date) L.l (S.+f t 6
Contact Information for IndividuaVPresenter Making the Request:
-Telephone Number:
Fax Number:
E-Mail Address:
Please send this request form to the following address:
Commission
Public Safety Committee
Public Services Committee
Administrative Services Committee
Engineering Services Committee
Finance Committee
Date of Meeting
Date of Meeting
Date of Meeting
Date of Meeting
Date of Meeting
Date of Meeting
Telephone Number: 7 06-821-1820
Fax Number: 706-821-1838
E-Mail Address: nmorawski@augustaga.gov
Ms. Lena J. Bonner
Clerk of Commission
Suite 220 Municipal Building
535 Telfair Street
Augusta, GA 30901
Requests may be faxed, e-mailed or delivered in person and must be received in the Clerk's
Office no later than 9:00 a.m. on the Thursday preceding the Commission and Committee
meetings of the following week. A five-minute time limit will be allowed for presentations.
Public Service Committee Meeting
4/24/2018 1:00 PM
Tonya Bonitatibus
Department:
Presenter:Ms. Tonya Bonitatibus
Caption:Ms. Tonya Bonitatibus requesting the City of Augusta to move
forward with hiring McLaughlin Group to create concept
drawings for the Whitewater Center included in Destination
Blueprint adopted by the city on June 6, 2017.
Background:
Analysis:
Financial Impact:
Alternatives:
Recommendation:
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Public Service Committee Meeting
4/24/2018 1:00 PM
2018 Transportation Security Clearinghouse Services Agreement
Department:Augusta Regional Airport
Presenter:Herbert Judon
Caption:Motion to approve 2018 Transportation Security Clearinghouse
Service Agreement.
Background:The AAAE Clearinghouse provides services to the Airport
which includes a management system to track and monitor
application-based commercial ground transportation transacting
business (Transportation Network Companies such as
Rasier/Uber and Lyft) to, on, or from Airport property to the
Airport. The term of the contract is 24 months.
Analysis:The AAAE management system provided by the Clearinghouse
assists the Airport in monitoring, tracking and auditing activity
of application-based commercial ground transportation
transacting (ABCT) providers such as Uber and Lyft. The
system provides the Airport with real time data of these
companies when they are operating on Airport property. The
Clearinghouse will retain five percent (5%) of the monies
collected and received by the Clearinghouse from the ABCT
Providers(Uber, Lyft, etc.) to be paid to the Airport.
Financial Impact:The Clearinghouse will retain five percent (5%) of the monies
collected and received by the Clearinghouse from the ABCT
Providers to be paid to the Airport.
Alternatives:Not to approve
Recommendation:To approve
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
Self Generated from the TNC Companies
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Finance.
Law.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission
Public Service Committee Meeting Commission Chamber - 4ll0l20l8
ATTENDANCE:
Present: Hons. Guilfoyle, Chairman; Fennoy, Vice Chairman; Davis and
M. Williams, members.
Absent: Hon. Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor.
PUBLIC SERVICES
1. New Ownership: A.N. 18-12 A request by Anil K. Kasturi for a retail package Item
Beer & Wine License to be used in connection with Prime Investments 2018, Action:
Inc. located at 3307 Mike Padgett Hwy Suite B. District 6. Super District 10. Approved
Motions
f#:" Motion rext
Motions
fr'#' Motion Text Made By
Motion to
^ zDDrove.APProve vtotio, passes
4_0.
Made By Seconded By Motion
Result
Motion to approve.
Approve ffi;il+:f:X1.; ;,:TH'#i,tL, i,:tHJ.}i,"' passes
2. New Ownership: A.N. 18-13: A request by Anil Kasturi for a retail package Item
Liquor License to be used in connection with Prime Investments 2018, Inc. Action:
located at3307 Mike Padgett Hwy Suite A. District 6. Super District 10 Approved
seconded By Motion
Result
Commissioner Commissior
Marion williams Mary Durir"t Passes
3. Discussion: A request by Melissa Reyes for Mi Rancho 2,lnc.located at 3064 Item
Washington Rd. for a Alcohol Special Event License May 5, 2018 (Cinco de Action:
Mayo in the Parking Lot) DistrictT. Super District 10. Approved
Motions
Motion
Type
Approve
Motion Text Made By Seconded By
Motion to
approve. Commissioner Commissioner
Motion Passes Marion Williams Mary Davis
4-0.
Motion
Result
Passes
Motion
Result
4. Discuss Code Enforcement and Marshal's Department Code and Litter Control ltem
matters. (Requested by Commissioner Marion Williams) Action:
Approved
Motions
f#:'" Motion rext Made By Seconded By
Motion to approve
providing an update in
^ one month from the CommissionerApprove Task Force regarding the William Fennoy
litter problems.
Motion Passes 4-0.
Commissioner
Wayne Passes
Guilfoyle
5. Motion to approve the minutes of the Public Services Committee held on March Item13,2018. Action:
Approved
Motions
Motion
Type
Approve
Made By Seconded ByMotion Text
Motion to
approve.
Motion Passes
4-0.
Motion
Result
Commissioner Commissioner
Mary Davis Marion Williams Passes
www.auqustaga.qov
Public Service Committee Meeting
4/24/2018 1:00 PM
Minutes
Department:Clerk of Commission
Presenter:
Caption:Motion to approve the minutes of the Public Services Committee
held on April 10, 2018.
Background:
Analysis:
Financial Impact:
Alternatives:
Recommendation:
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Invitation to Bid
Sealed bids will be received at this office until Friday, January 12, 2018 @ 11:00 a.m. for furnishing:
Bid Item #18-121 Mobile Stage for Augusta, GA – Recreation and Parks Department
Bids will be received by Augusta, GA Commission hereinafter referred to as the OWNER at the offices of:
Geri A. Sams, Director
Augusta Procurement Department
535 Telfair Street - Room 605
Augusta, Georgia 30901
Bid documents may be viewed on the Augusta, Georgia web site under the Procurement Department ARCbid. Bid documents
may be obtained at the office of the Augusta, GA Procurement Department, 535 Telfair Street – Room 605, Augusta, GA 30901.
Documents may be examined during regular business hours at the offices of Augusta, GA Procurement Department.
All questions must be submitted in writing by fax to 706 821-2811 or by email to procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov to the office
of the Procurement Department by Friday, December 29, 2017 @ 5:00 P.M. No bid will be accepted by fax, all must be received
by mail or hand delivered.
No bids may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after bids have been opened, pending the execution of contract with the
successful bidder.
Invitation for bids and specifications. An invitation for bids shall be issued by the Procurement Office and shall include specifications
prepared in accordance with Article 4 (Product Specifications), and all contractual terms and conditions, applicable to the
procurement. All specific requirements contained in the invitation to bid including, but not limited to, the number of copies
needed, the timing of the submission, the required financial data, and any other requirements designated by the Procurement
Department are considered material conditions of the bid which are not waiveable or modifiable by the Procurement Director.
All requests to waive or modify any such material condition shall be submitted through the Procurement Director to the appropriate
committee of the Augusta, Georgia Commission for approval by the Augusta, Georgia Commission. Please mark BID number on the
outside of the envelope.
Bidders are cautioned that acquisition of BID documents through any source other than the office of the Procurement
Department is not advisable. Acquisition of BID documents from unauthorized sources placed the bidder at the risk of
receiving incomplete or inaccurate information upon which to base his qualifications.
Correspondence must be submitted via mail, fax or email as follows:
Augusta Procurement Department
Attn: Geri A. Sams, Director of Procurement
535 Telfair Street, Room 605
Augusta, GA 30901
Fax: 706-821-2811 or Email: procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov
No bid will be accepted by fax, all must be received by mail or hand delivered.
GERI A. SAMS, Procurement Director
Publish:
Augusta Chronicle December 7, 14, 21, 28, 2017
Metro Courier December 13, 2017
OFFICIAL
Bid Item #18-121 Mobile Stage
for Augusta, Georgia- Recreation & Parks Department
Bid Date: Friday, January 12, 2018 @ 11:00 a.m.
VENDORS
Century Industries
299 Prather Lane, PO Box "C"
Sellerburg, IN 47172
Attachment B YES
E-Verify Number 1244316
SAVE Form YES
Make FRONT ROW SERIES
Model FR4532
Year 2018
90950 FLY BAY END DOORS $4,140.00
90947 MONITOR MIX PLATFORM $1,890.00
90921 12 PORTABLE 4' X 8' OUTDOOR $1,093.00
10204 ADDITIONAL STAIRS $1,085.00
90920 EQUIPMENT LOADING RAMP $1,800.00
REMOVABLE STAGE DECK ALUMINUM
GUARDRAILS $721.00
10209 48” HANDICAPPED ACCESS LIFT $7,999.00
90951 61” HANDICAPPED ACCESS LIFT $15,890.00
10238 ALUMINUM STORAGE LOCKER $580.00
90927 HYDRAULIC LEVELING/SUPPORT $8,048.00
90943 MONITOR PLATFORM WEATHER $1,890.00
70127 FIFTH-WHEEL HITCH $2,860.00
42201 ELECTRICAL UPGRADE PACKAGE
#1 $2,887.00
40030 ELECTRIC RECEPTACLE $184.00
90929 EXTERIOR LED FLOOD INCLUDED IN BASE UNIT
40029 LED COMPARTMENT LIGHTS INCLUDED IN BASE UNIT
Mobile Stage:
Total Number Specifications Mailed Out: 8
Total Number Specifications Download (Demandstar): 1
Total Electronic Notifications (Demandstar): 192
Mandatory Pre-Bid/Telephone Conference: NA
Total packages submitted: 1
Total Non-Compliant: 0
Options:
Page 1 of 2
OFFICIAL
Bid Item #18-121 Mobile Stage
for Augusta, Georgia- Recreation & Parks Department
Bid Date: Friday, January 12, 2018 @ 11:00 a.m.
VENDORS
Century Industries
299 Prather Lane, PO Box "C"
Sellerburg, IN 47172
Total Number Specifications Mailed Out: 8
Total Number Specifications Download (Demandstar): 1
Total Electronic Notifications (Demandstar): 192
Mandatory Pre-Bid/Telephone Conference: NA
Total packages submitted: 1
Total Non-Compliant: 0
51005 8,000 WATT ENCLOSED DIESEL
GENERATOR $10,007.00
51006 12,000 WATT ENCLOSED DIESEL
GENERATOR $14,197.00
42008 PROFESSIONAL THEATRE
LIGHTING PACKAGE #2 $10,504.00
42150 FR LIGHT PKG. #1 – LED Par 64-36 $5,608.00
41006 PRO-SOUND SYSTEM PACKAGE
#1 $2,887.00
41008 PRO-SOUND SYSTEM PACKAGE
#3 $8,794.00
56060 DECORATIVE STAGE SKIRT $2,640.00
90945 WINDWALL $8,371.00
70002 EXTERIOR GRAPHICS $4,477.00
90935 PRINTED MESH BANNERS $1,230.00
91111 MARQUEE BANNER $2,970.00
APPROX DELIVERY TIME 90-120 DAYS ARO
TOTAL FOR BASE UNIT $118,327.00
DELIVERY CHARGES $1,106.00
Page 2 of 2
Public Service Committee Meeting
4/24/2018 1:00 PM
Mobile Stage Purchase Bid #18-121
Department:Recreation and Parks
Presenter:H. Glenn Parker
Caption:Motion to approve Bid Item #18-121, Mobile Stage for Augusta
Recreation and Parks Department, to Century Industries for
$189,324.
Background:The Augusta Recreation and Parks Department is seeking to
offer additional festivals and events to the public. An outdoor
mobile stage would allow us the flexibility in providing
attractive, professional staging throughout our community,
wherever needed. More cost effective than permanent staging,
the mobile stage will provide: professional outdoor staging, fast
set up with minimal power, event staging throughout your
community, increased facility utilization, minimal site impact,
multi-use site.
Analysis:Eight (8) bid packages were mailed out to industry vendors. One
bid was received. Century Industries met all the requirements
contained in the bid documents.
Financial Impact:$189,324
Alternatives:1 - To Approve Bid Item #18-121, Mobile Stage purchase for
$189,324 to Century Industries. 2 - Move No Action.
Recommendation:Approve the purchase of the mobile stage via bid #18-121
Funds are
Available in the
Following
Accounts:
328061110/212066105 $ 81,000 329061110/216057909
$108,324
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
Finance.
Procurement.
Law.
Administrator.
Clerk of Commission