By Mark Millican
Dalton Daily Citizen
July 17, 2008 10:50 pm
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ETON — The City Council unanimously rejected a request Wednesday night to amend its alcohol serving ordinance.
James Day wants to open a restaurant on U.S. Highway 411 in the old La Cabana location, but use a 40 percent food, 60 percent alcohol breakdown. The city code states a restaurant with a pouring license must have at least 60 percent food as part of its annual sales.
City attorney Terry Miller told council members Georgia code allows them to set the percentage, and that it varies in municipalities across the state.
Councilwoman Joan Dooley noted the body “spent one year tweaking this thing, and looked at policies all over the state.”
“Frankly, I don’t want a beer joint,” she said.
Councilman Steve Shaw concurred.
“We have to look to the citizens who also provided input,” he said. “One restaurant (El Pueblito) is staying within the guidelines and making us money, and you can take your kids there.”
New Mayor Billy Cantrell, a former councilman, pointed out that part of the city’s new “design” is to grow and bring in nice restaurants. He suggested no change to the ordinance and council members agreed.
“We’re not trying to turn away business,” Cantrell said to Day. “I hope it doesn’t stop your decision.”
“I can comply with it, but we were leaning more to the sale of alcohol than food,” Day said. “We’re still going forward.”
After the meeting, Day criticized the denial of his request, which Cantrell said was supposed to be made by July 1 but which could not be because of the lack of a quorum on the council until Tuesday’s special election.
“I feel the decision is unfair in the economic growth of Eton,” he said.
Council members discussed a community events report, citing several happenings inside the city and their costs.
“For a little over $2,000 (total), that’s a small price to pay for community exposure.” said Miller.
Mentioned were the new City Hall open house in February, motorcycle cruise-in last Saturday night, Pickin’ in the Park on the fourth Saturday night of the month from April through October (this month it is on the third Saturday), Veterans Day memorial flag placement and the city’s participation in Keep Murray Beautiful.
One event that will not take place this year is the annual Eton Beauty Pageant.
“We’ve been through this before,” said Dooley. “You have a bunch of complaining, irate parents who don’t understand there can only be one winner. Let’s don’t have the pageants this year.”
Council members agreed, with Cantrell suggesting they “get creative and replace it.”
Shaw ribbed new councilman Jeff Manis when he told him he could try his luck at running the beauty pageant, but Manis quickly declined.
After hearing a report from assistant fire chief Joey Torres about two pump trucks that needed to be repaired at $4,000 and $9,000, Cantrell said he would meet with the department next week and scheduled a called council meeting for Thursday, July 24, at 7 p.m. to discuss the pump trucks, signs and tree removal.
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