Politics

Senate backs liquor sales at public golf courses

By Christopher Quinn
March 15, 2011

On a day when the Capitol was buzzing about a potential comeback for the Sunday alcohol sales bill, the state Senate voted to allow the sale of mixed drinks at public golf courses.

Sen. Ronald Ramsey, D-Lithonia, asked to change the law in Senate Bill 150 because a golf course in his district in the city of Conyers can sell beer but not liquor.

Sen. Cecil Staton, R-Macon, and others tried to amend the bill to allow stores that sell liquor and wine to conduct wine tastings. Law forbids the opening of bottles in stores that sell liquor. After 30 minutes of discussion, Staton's amendment was voted down.

Ramsey's bill, which applies to any county- or city-operated golf course, passed 43-10. The bill is headed to the House.

About the Author

Christopher Quinn is a writer and editor who has worked for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution since 1999. He writes stories on Veterans Affairs, business including high-tech growth in metro Atlanta, Georgia's $72 billion farm economy, and he oversees assigning and editing news obituaries.

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