Fulton Ordinance To Gas Stations: Clean Up Crime Or Lose Liquor Licenses

ATLANTA, GA -- Under a plan approved this week by Fulton County Commissioners, some convenience stores who don’t work to address criminal activity around their establishments could lose their liquor licenses.

The measure, which would only affect businesses in unincorporated Fulton County, was approved Wednesday day by a 4-1 vote.

“Thanks to all of the community members who supported this effort and made this possible,” says District 5 Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington Jr., the resolution’s sponsor. “I look forward to working with all stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan to further address these issues as we want residents to feel safe where they live, work, play, and buy."

The measure comes days after a high-profile incident involving the theft of a car owned by actress, producer and rapper Queen Latifah. The music and movie star wasn’t driving the 2015 Mercedes Benz S63 when it was stolen from a South Fulton County gas station about 9 p.m. on Dec. 20.

The incident made national headlines and gave a black eye to the image of Fulton County, especially in the light of the relatively recent formation of the city called South Fulton.

Retailers that are located in high-crime areas will be advised to “make security improvement improvements to avoid further action, including loss of their liquor licenses,” a Fulton County Board of Commissioners news release said.

The new ordinance forces gas stations that sell alcohol to be accountable to the community at large, said Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman John Eaves.

"Everyone's heart is in the right place," Eaves said in a news release. "We want to make our community safer and passing this resolution is a first step for us to come up with a comprehensive strategy to stop these criminals."

"Having the ordinance passed today sets the tone for collaboration with the police and the county,” said Daphne Jordan, a community activist with the High Crimes in South Fulton Task Force. “What I hope the community learned is to not sit back and do nothing.

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