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AJC.com > Legislature > Blog > Archives > 2009 > February > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSenate approves liquor sales close to public housing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Need a drink?
A law that prohibits selling alcohol within 100 yards of a public housing complex might be watered-down, if a bill that passed the Senate Thursday becomes law.
Senate Bill 68 would allow local governments to make exceptions and allow alcohol sales close to public housing, with the OK of the housing authority board of commissioners.
“Are we sending the wrong message by making an exemption in the law?” asked Sen. Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur), who opposed the bill. He argued that 100 yards is a good buffer.
Sen. Jack Murphy (R-Cumming), the bill sponsor, said it would be up to each local government to decide.
The bill passed 32 to 14.
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By oba
February 26, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this
This much to do about nothing! People in public housing should be as responsible when it comes to the consumption of alcohol as people that live 20 or 30 miles from a business that sells alcohol. What does location have to do with comon sense anway. Our elected officials have too much time on there hands to take up this kind of legislation.
P.S. I do have a problem with achohol products being sold to under age persons, but that Law enforcement problem!
By Drew
February 27, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this
Sale of alcohol here and there, Sale of alcohol on Sunday, More places to sale alcohol and the Georgia State Senate eats it up with smiling faces but mention good public policy legislation that holds individuals responsible for their immoral behavior in our outdoors; said behavior that threatens our children and families state wide and suddenly everyone gets might tight lipped. Has anyone looked at Senate Bill 71??? For one, I’m not against alcohol sales and don’t wish for a “zero tolerance policy” but to be able to be more drunk while boating or hunting is absurd and extremely reckless. Let alone the risks associated directly with Boating and Hunting while intoxicated, what MUST be remembered is that when an intoxicated hunter leaves the woods, when an intoxicated boater leaves the lake they both become a substantial risk to “Georgia Highway Safety” as they transition into drunk drivers. The threat and public safety concern in our outdoors is real and consider this sobering thought; when they cross that center line driving home, they no longer are effecting just themselves – ever car they pass may be the ones they take with them. The state’s elected officials seem to be jerking every chain possible to give citizens more opportunity to consume, but will not take up the issue of correcting our B.U.I and H.U.I statutes to be at the same level as our state highway D.U.I standards. Self compliance is usually based on education, and understanding is always preferred to maintain the behavior that conforms to public expectation resulting in a safe activity. Unfortunately, legislation is occasionally required to provide law enforcement the tools needed when non-compliance occurs to keep people and property safe. Citizens need to take a long, hard look at Senate Bill 71 and implore its passage. I’m not wanning for a “ZERO TOLERANCE” policy for alcohol, but don’t allow excessive alcohol intake by individuals to be a public safety issue on our lakes, woods and highways. Drink responsibly, support Senate Bill 71 to implore this in our state!