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Covington Businesses Could Start Serving Alcohol To Customers

February 5th, 2018

Covington City Council members plan to vote on proposed ordinances that would let salons and spas give customers glasses of wine or beer.

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Getting a pedicure or visiting an art gallery in Covington could soon come with a mimosa or champagne.

City Council members plan to vote on proposed ordinances Monday night that would let salons and spas give customers glasses of wine or beer.

Retail stores would be able to do the same, but they must also serve hors d’oeuvres. Lastly, people would be able to bring their own alcohol to art shops and galleries.

“I think if I wanted to serve some champagne to a bridal party, I should be able to do that,” said GiGi Shinall who owns Candlelight Bridals by GiGi, a bridal shop in Covington. “But that would be under my control, make sure nothing would get out of hand, you know? I would serve like only one glass each.”

Council members said non-restaurant businesses would have to pay an annual $50 fee to get a license to serve wine or beer. Venues would have to pay an additional fee for each event where alcohol was served.

The council voted down a similar measure in August, but the businesses have continued to push for it, and the new proposal is more detailed.

Council members said public education surrounding the ordinances has also increased.

Susie Keck, a city council member, said before citizens may have been confused about how the ordinance works. She said the ordinance limits the amount of alcohol customers can consumer on the the premise of these businesses and they shouldn’t take business away from restaurants.

“I strongly feel that we have to be able to support our small businesses,” Keck said. “Other cities are doing this very successfully and we will lose business if we don’t do this.”

Atlanta and Brookhaven require any business that serves alcohol to have a license.

The Georgia Department of Revenue said it is illegal for a business to offer a “free” glass of wine or alcohol tied to a service without having a license.