In an unusual approach, Forsyth County alcohol-sellers will soon face penalties that could include having their licenses pulled if they violate the recently-approved ordinance restricting non-traditional tobacco paraphernalia sales.
County commissioners approved alcohol code changes targeted to convenience stores, gas stations and others who sell both alcohol and such devices as bongs, hookah pipes, grinders and weighing devices frequently used in the illegal drug trade. County Attorney Ken Jarrard told commissioners that violations like selling the devices without a permit or not screening them from public view will be treated the same as, for example, selling alcohol to a minor.
First and second violations within a 24-month period would bring a mandatory hearing and varying-length alcohol sales suspensions while a third would result in revocation. Jarrard said the changes will add some teeth to the recently approved non-traditional tobacco ordinance because device sellers will want to toe the line or risk losing what he called “extremely lucrative” alcohol sales.
The non-traditional ordinance won’t go into effect until May as commissioners built in a 90-day grace period to allow for notification and adjustment to the new rules.
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