Commissioners had a number of beer and wine package license and pouring license applications on their most recent agenda.

At their March 14 meeting, the City Commission had four applications for a beer and wine package license, as well as a beer pouring license application.

According to City Manager James Stephens, however, only two applications were from new businesses. The others, he explained, represented businesses that have recently experienced a change of ownership. Each time a business changes hands, the new owner must go through the application process for a package or pouring license, he said.

Applying for beer and wine package licenses were the convenience stores Cheers Party Shop, Fast Trip Marathon, Citgo and Sonny’s Market.

The yet to be opened gourmet coffee shop Expresso’s, 109 Prior St., was applying for a beer pouring license.

Expresso’s, along with Cheers Party Stop, were the only two new locations that applied, Stephens said.

The commission approved all applications with little discussion.

Stephens stated that the process for applying for a package license involves fingerprinting and a background check conducted by the Cedartown Police Department.

A federal background check is required for all pouring license applications.

The building inspector is also called in to check the footage of the location to any nearby schools or churches.

The application then goes before the commission for approval.

Currently, the price for a pouring license is $3,000, while a package license is $5,000.

Commissioners also heard a request from the Mexican restaurant El Nopal to allow 18 to 20 year olds to serve alcohol.

According to Stephens, some El Nopal locations in other cities are allowed to have underage servers.

The request, Stephens said, was due to El Nopal not being able to find employees of adequate age to serve.

However, the commission quickly denied the request.

Cedartown voters gave an overwhelming yes vote in June of 2003 to liquor sales by the drink and by the package in the city.

A total of 995 votes were cast in the election with 580 voting yes for approval of liquor by the drink and 381 voting no. The vote for package sales of liquor was almost identical with 580 voting yes and 392 voting no.

Only 32.6 percent of the registered voters showed up at the polls to cast electronic ballots.