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
