After passing a bill involving craft beer early during Crossover Day on Friday, state Senators later in the day voted down a bill that could have eased alcohol sales restrictions in areas close to schools.

given local governments the authority to decide on alcohol sales close to schools.

Senate Bill 91, sponsored by Sen. Tyler Harper, R-Ocilla, would have let local governments decide whether to allow grocery stores to sell beer and wine within 100 yards of school buildings or school grounds. Current law requires a 100- yard buffer for alcohol sales around church buildings and a 200-yard buffer for school buildings.

Harper, R-Ocilla, called the legislation a jobs bill that was introduced in response to an economic development project being completed in his part of the state.

The bill was defeated 22-27.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Fulton DA Fani Willis (center) with Nathan J. Wade (right), the special prosecutor she hired to manage the Trump case and had a romantic relationship with, at a news conference announcing charges against President-elect Donald Trump and others in Atlanta, Aug. 14, 2023. Georgia’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, upheld an appeals court's decision to disqualify Willis from the election interference case against Trump and his allies. (Kenny Holston/New York Times)

Credit: NYT

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com