Debate continues on alcohol licenses

The vice-chairman of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners wanted to make one thing clear Tuesday night: Cathy Walton had met all the requirements to get an alcohol license, so there wasn't there a lot the county could do.

"We don't really have a leg to stand on," Tom Mercer said.

Walton had asked commissioners for an on-premises and an off-premises consumption license for the property near the intersection of Ray Owens and Washington roads.

She plans to open a restaurant and a liquor store at 6622 Washington Road. Commissioners OK'd the on-premises license for the restaurant - dubbed The Little River Roadhouse - but tabled her request for the package-store license.

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Planning and Development Director Jeff Browning said the problem lies in the zoning of the property. It's currently zoned for residential use and must be zoned for commercial use before an off-premises consumption license can be issued.

Some residents of the area said they were against any kind of business that sold alcohol in and around Leah.

"Alcohol is not a drink to an alcohol ... it is a poison," said the Rev. Roger Bennett.

Also at Tuesday night's meeting, commissioners:

Honored the Columbia County Water and Sewer Services Department for receiving an award for excellence in the quality of their water and sewer service

Tentatively approved rules limiting the height of grass to 12 inches on some residential property

OK'd guidelines for harvesting timber, including a process to notify the county of the cutting.