Holmes County approves alcohol ordinance

A new alcohol ordinance was recently adopted by the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners following the passing of the alcohol by the drink vote in April.

The ordinance sets forth the regulations for times and distances for the sale of alcohol for both on-site and off-site consumption.

No beer, wine or other alcoholic or intoxicating beverages will be sold, consumed, served or permitted to be served or consumed in any place between the hours of midnight and 4 a.m., meaning stores will not be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages during those hours.

Beer, wine or other alcoholic or intoxicating beverages may not be sold for on-site consumption during the hours of midnight and 7 a.m., meaning restaurants, bars or bottle clubs cannot serve alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption during those hours.

No place will sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises within 250 feet of any residence, this however does not apply to restaurants whose main income comes from serving food. The distance for churches is set at 1,000 feet which also does not apply to restaurants.

It is unlawful for any person to consume any alcoholic beverage within 100 feet of any package store, convenience store, food store or any place that sells alcoholic beverages.

For persons who own or are looking to own a bottle club are not allowed within 1,000 feet of any church, school or residence. There will be a $500 permit fee charged by the county to open such an establishment. Any bottle club that is currently open has 60 days from Oct. 5 to obtain the permit from the county in order to stay open.

“We mirrored our ordinance to that of neighboring Washington County. There are a couple of differences with distances, but it is basically the same,” said Commissioner Brandon Newsom. “We worked to have an ordinance that benefits everyone in the county. Holmes County is moving into the future and we are proud of what we have accomplished thus far.”