News

Fluff Bakery And Catering Can Move Forward To Obtain Liquor Permit

By:
Posted on:

< < Back to fluff-bakery-and-catering-can-move-forward-obtain-liquor-permit

After hearing public support for the transfer of a liquor permit to Fluff Bakery on Monday evening, Athens City Council voted 4-2 to not request a public hearing from the state board of liquor control.

Earlier this month, some members of Council stated that they'd heard concerns from some in the community regarding the proposed liquor permit transfer that would allow the downtown restaurant to sell beer, wine and liquor. Councilwoman Chris Fahl had requested that a hearing be held by the state to hear potential objections.

During Monday's Council meeting, several citizens and small business owners expressed support for Fluff obtaining the liquor permit.

Athens Mayor Paul Wiehl pointed out that a state public hearing would not take into account citizen objections to the license transfer — only those put forward by the city. Athens Law Director Pat Lang stated that he had heard no reason for the city to object to the license transfer to argue at a state hearing.

Following comments from audience members on Monday, only Council members Chris Fahl and Jeff Risner voted in favor of requesting a public hearing. Members Steve Patterson, Jennifer Cochran, Chris Knisely and Kent Butler voted against requesting a hearing. Member Michele Papai abstained from the vote.