Some Cobb County codes regarding alcoholic beverages were changed unanimously July 25 by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners:

  • Farm wineries, distillers and brewers are not required to obtain Sunday permits.
  • Language was added that requires posting at a brewery, farm winery or distillery of the legal limit for the purchase of alcoholic beverages by the package.
  • Free tastings of alcoholic beverages may be offered at distilleries and breweries in addition to farm wineries.
  • Now 10 percent - no longer five percent - of annual gross sales of alcoholic beverages may not exceed total gross sales at grocery stores.
  • For residences within a 300‐foot radius of a property line or for a public library, church, public park, school or college within a 600-foot radius, a county distance waiver remains in effect for any alcoholic beverage license as long as the establishment does not stop operating for 12 or more months and the business activity does not change.

To Commissioner JoAnn Birrell’s comment that notifications should be sent to those who move within these distances from an establishment selling alcoholic beverages, both Commissioners Bob Weatherford and Bob Ott disagreed, saying they should be aware of these establishments before they buy.