Crawford’s City Council approved the first reading of the restaurant pouring license ordinance at its monthly meeting on Tuesday.
The council will host another public hearing at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, before its monthly meeting. It will become an ordinance if approved.
Crawford Pizza requested the ordinance to obtain a license to sell alcoholic beverages. The ordinance would allow restaurants within the Crawford city limits to serve malt beverages and wine by the glass.
City attorney Mike Childs drafted the ordinance based on Lexington’s ordinance.
“Essentially, it’s the same stuff that Lexington has, and this allows for beer and wine only in terms of poured by the glass,” he said. “This is not going to be liquor, so this isn’t whiskey and tequila and all that.”
The ordinance would allow the sale of wine no more than 21% alcohol and malt beverages, meaning beer, ale or like beverages.
The license would cost $500 per year, along with a bond of $5,000.
Restaurants wouldn’t be able to sell alcohol before 11 a.m. or after 10:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and there would be no alcohol sales on Sundays or on Christmas Day.
Customers wouldn’t be allowed to buy alcohol without the purchase of food.
Restaurants must make at least 50% of their gross sales from food and non-alcoholic beverages. Restaurants also wouldn’t be allowed to offer promotions, such as buy one, get one or “Happy Hour.”
A new licensee would be required to complete a state-certified alcohol training class within six months of approval.
In other news, the council approved:
- Changing lot R1 from 1.5 acres to 1 acre.
- Not changing the 2024 mill rate. It will stay at 3.5%.
- Plans for the 2024 homecoming parade. It will take place on Sept. 19 on its usual route at 6 p.m. Mayor Seavy O’Neal requested that all horses wear manure bags.
- June’s financial reports.