Real Estate Blog - Beer and Wine Referendum set for the November Ballot in Fannin County, North Georgia Mountains

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Beer and Wine Referendum set for the November Ballot in Fannin County, North Georgia Mountains

Fannin county commissioners and local residents and business owners got together this week to discuss a number of issues relating to the county. But the heated topic of beer and alcohol which has been an ongoing debate for this county for awhile had many of the folks at odds including the commissioners who didn't see eye to eye either.

An estimated 70% of beer and wine supporters stormed out of the meeting after a motion was passed to a put beer and wine referendum on the November ballot. Howie Bruce, Chairman of Fannin County Board of Commissioners felt the community deserved the chance to vote on the issue. Bruce feels there are merits and disadvantages of allowing beer and alcohol and it will surely change the community. Many feel that the best option is to allow alcohol by the drink. If the referendum passes in November, Bruce said there wil be strict regulations. No one wants bars and road houses. Most everyone agrees that preserving the attractiveness of our mountain town is paramount.

A local developer reported that our "second homes" market was moving further north, out of Fannin county. Many people feel this is due to restaraunts not being allowed to serve beer and alcohol which inhibits the growth in Fannin county to have better eating establishments. To support this view, one of the commissioners said that 800 homes sold in Fannin in 2006 compared to 200 homes sold to date in 2007. He went on to say this could cause a potential tax problem in the future.

A motion was called to adopt an ordinance to pour beer and wine but the motion died. A new motion was carried to construct a referendum to be voted on in November which prompted the majority of alcohol supporters to walk out.

Donna Yates is a Realtor with Mountain Investments of North Georgia in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. She is passionate about the mountains and real estate and enjoys helping people find their mountain investment! She can be reached at Donna@ellijay.com Please check out www.move2northgeorgia.net for great real estate opportunities!

Posted by Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor Georgia Real Estate,Blue Ridge Mountains on 08/18/2007 08:36 PM

Comments (9)

north georgia, fannin, second homes, beer and wine, alcohol, referendum, tax, commissioners, restaurants

This post has been included in Georgia Information Fannin County, GA Information

9 Comments on Beer and Wine Referendum set for the November Ballot in Fannin County, North Georgia Mountains

AUG

2007

Did someone say BEER?

Did someone say WINE?

Did someone say knock it off TLW? :)

Do I get to vote on this? Kidding :)

TLW...ROAR!

AUG

2007

Ocean City, NJ is still dry, last I knew. You have to leave town to get a beer. I remember this being an issue back in the 1980 when I was a real estate developer at the Jersey Shore. Still is! Do we have a South Jersey REALTOR out there to comment?

Mike in Tucson

Donna.... Mike is correct, Ocean City is still dry. It's a family vacation spot and this is why many travel to Ocean City with their kids, because they know this. But there is Somers Point which is right next door and they have about 5 bars and or restaurants.

In my town of Haddonfield, it's dry. But this is not a resort area. I think a 2nd home area as what you all have should be able to sell beer and wine. It would be interested if there was a poll amongst current home owners and those that have 2nd homes there... and even those willing to buy a 2nd home, what their thoughts would be.

jeff belonger

Mike: Thank you for your comment. According to Jeff, it's still dry. I'm amazed it is still dry after all of this time.

Jeff: How is it Ocean City has been able to remain dry? Beer and wine is sold within the Blue Ridge city limits but outside of that, the rest of Fannin county is dry. I think the biggest fear among locals is how it will change our mountain community and will it be for better or worse. I guess it all depends on which side your on as to good or bad. Like Ocean City, we can go to the next county but that's part of the problem with the developers and restaraunt owners. The revenue is going outside of the county. Thanks for commenting.

Donna.... not sure, just that the community accepts this, I guess. And people just know. Do you get a lot of kids in the mountain area? If it's semi quiet, I don't see what the problem would be, having alcohol sold in the area.

Jeff: This is very much a family community and a church community. We have a great mix between young families with generations of relatives here as well, as our wonderful visitors and part time homeowners. I think everyone blends together very well. People come to our town because it provides a relaxing escape from their day to day lives and I believe that our full-time residents and community leaders as well, only want what's best for our community and my no means, wants to destroy the very essence that brings people here in the first place. I would say our community is quiet, friendly and respectful which is just part of the charm here. Thanks for your comment. It will be interesting to see how this all turns out.

My goodness, I had no idea that prohibition was still a hot topic in this country.

AUG

2007

Margaret: This has been an ongoing debate in our county so it will be interesting to see how it turns out after the vote in November. Thank you for your comment.

SEP

2007

Hello, Donna! This sounds like an exciting time for your county. I wonder who truly is pushing for the change...politicians? developers? Would it really change the community very much? It sounds like you have a quiet, very family oriented community, I can understand why it's divided. Once thing's for sure, once you get them in, it will be hard to revert to the original. Good luck!

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