• 27
  • January
    2011

Georgia's laws and regulations on liquor are very complex. Obtaining a liquor license is necessary for many businesses that depend on alcohol sales for a substantial portion of revenue. However, the process for obtaining a license can be confusing and the paperwork can be daunting.

Last year, Amy Wright, the executive director of Georgia's Old Capitol Museum in Milledgeville, discovered how confusing Georgia's liquor laws could be. At a fundraiser for museum, beer and ale was served. She did not know she needed a pouring license to serve beer, so she did not get one.

The Department of Revenue learned that she did not have a pouring license and this cost her organization a great deal of money and time. In response, state Representatives Rusty Kidd and Chuck Sims have introduced a bill known as Amy's Law.

Amy's Law would allow nonprofit organizations to sell beer, wine and alcohol by the drink at their events without needing to obtain a pouring license. Under the law, a nonprofit could serve alcohol at a maximum of one event per month.

If the bill passes, it would relieve nonprofits from the headaches and paperwork of obtaining a liquor license to serve alcohol at fundraisers. However, a license is still required in the meantime.

The process for obtaining and keeping a liquor license can seem quite complex. However, bar, restaurant and hotel owners do not need to struggle with the process alone. Experienced alcohol license attorneys are available to help businesses answer licensing questions, prepare licensing paperwork, file applications and protect liquor licenses in court or at hearings.

Source: Macon.com, "Nonprofits would be allowed to sell alcohol without license under proposal," Maggie Lee, 1/27/2011