For years, the only way to provide rum for daiquiris was to make a trip to “nearby” burgs such as Walnut Grove, Duluth, Winder or even Suwanee. A group of citizens set out to change that with Grayson being the target for retail sales of spirits.
The began about a year ago; headed by Michelle Couch, the first step was to go . The team succeeded, signatures were verified and the referendum was put on the ballot by Grayson’s City Council along with the Sunday sales of beer and wine within the city limits.
Tuesday votes reflected a community that was decisively in favor of both referendums. With 225 votes for and 119 against, the Sunday retail sales measure passed by a margin of 65 to 35 and with 206 voting for and 138 voting against the package store, it passed by 60 to 40 percent.
The city’s attorney has already begun the task of fashioning an ordinance very much like those of Duluth and Suwanee for a vote during the regular November city council meeting. Once approved, Grayson will need to revise its existing zoning ordinance for this type of business.
According to Mayor Jim Hinkle, once that is approved, if an applicant comes forward, the necessary paperwork can commence to establish a package store within the city limits. He expects that it will be at least Spring, 2012 before residents see the doors open.
Currently, there are two establishments within the city limits that sell beer and wine that will be affected by the Sunday sales referendum: and the Hinkle was hesitant to project any additional revenues because of the referendum. The fact that the other grocery retailer ( is outside of the city limits in unincorporated Gwinnett County, where Sunday sales are not approved, may have a positive impact on Sunday business at Kroger.
Currently the city recognizes about $60,000 in tax revenues from alcohol related sales each year.
