Council approves alcohol licenses
By JACQUIE BRASHER

At its Monday night meeting, Swainsboro city council approved two alcoholic beverage licenses that had previously been under the spotlight. Public hearings were held for both applications.

Speaking in favor of the application request of Brian Brown dba 114 West Main Restaurant was Dr. Kemp Jones, former council member, who encouraged council to pass the application. He said, "114 West Main is one of the assets downtown." He added that the establishment was "not a bar" and makes its money through sale of food. "It's very difficult for a restaurant to survive without an alcohol license," he said. The mo- tion was passed five to one with Councilmember Rita Faulkner opposing.

The alcohol application request of Lelia Worthen dba Rocky Palace at 424 Gumlog had one person speak in favor of the establishment and two people who spoke against it. A former council member, Lee Arthur Williams, said he wanted to go on record as supporting the business. Two pastors, Rev. Bertha Jones and Rev. M. Royster, spoke against granting a license for Rocky Palace. Rev. Jones said the business in question is in a residential district, that there have been problems there in the past, and that she was speaking for many people who could not be at the meeting. However, Police Chief Johnny Shuman said the calls to that area were mostly for the "other side of the street." The motion was passed five to one with Councilmember Faulkner opposing.

Discussion was held about the request of Bobby Andrews of Pin Hi Golf Association for an additional $500 for its tournament. A sum of $500 for Pin Hi had already been budgeted by council. Councilmember Johnny Ray Stafford informed Andrews that council had allowed a maximum of $500 for all requests of this kind. However, a motion was made to grant the additional sum. Voting in favor were council members Faulkner, Parker and Bobbie Collins. Voting against were council members Cleve Edenfield, Sandra Stroud and Stafford. Mayor Schwabe broke the tie and voted against the request. However, he told council that he would pull $250 from the mayor's discretionary fund for the golf tournament and suggested that the request for the additional $500 be added to next year's budget.

Council approved the application for advertisement only of Ashok Patel dba Ankit, Inc. (formerly Food Basket) at 228 Lewis St. for beer and wine package only. A resident of the area voiced her opposition to the business and was told that the issue would be subject to a public hearing at the next meeting. Motion was passed five to one with Councilmember Faulkner opposing. A public hearing will be held Sept. 4.

Council also approved the following:

• An ordinance to change parking regulations in Oliphant St.

• An ordinance to change the rules governing placement of carnivals in the city. Council will have the discretion to accept or reject carnivals and shows in city limits.

• An ordinance to change the zoning requirements relating to the issuance of a business license obtained under the "grandfather clause."

• Adoption of Emanuel County Joint Comprehensive Plan as required by Department of Community Affairs.

• Removal of the speed bump in the 313 block of New St., and to include signs to indicate children playing.

• Closure of Green and Roger Shaw streets for the annual Arts Emanuel festival on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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