Happy Hours Now Legal as Suwanee Amends Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance

You might soon notice some so-called happy hour promotions at establishments around Suwanee that serve alcohol. The city just made it legal.

Suwanee City Council on Tuesday (May 28) approved what the agenda called "substantive" changes in the city's alcoholic beverage ordinance.

A key provision is that restrictions on happy hours -- generally regarded as special prices on drinks during certain hours -- have been removed.

Also noteworthy is that diners may now "cork" and take home a bottle of wine that they purchased with dinner. This is consistent with Georgia law.

The changes were proposed by city staffers and done in consultation with the Suwanee Police Department.

The changes also provide for an "amenity" permit that would allow businesses such as nail and hair salons to serve alcohol on a complimentary basis. Another revision is that a restaurant would only have to generate 40 percent of its business from food sales -- down from 50 percent -- to qualify for an alcohol license.

One resident spoke out against the alcohol changes in the public hearing portion of Tuesday's meeting.

Karen Williams, noting that she is a 30-year resident of Suwanee, said she felt like the new ordinance is "lowering our standards" and that it makes the city "a less safe place for children."

Mayor Pro Tem Dick Goodman presided at the meeting, as Mayor Jimmy Burnette was on vacation. Council member Dan Foster also was absent, meaning four members -- which is a quorum -- voted on all agenda issues.

-- How do you feel about the new alcohol regulations in Suwanee? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

See also:

• Suwanee May Update Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance

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