Commissioners made a few changes to Forsyth County’s alcohol ordinance when they revisited the issue Thursday night.

As a result of the 4-1 vote, marinas on Lake Lanier will be exempt from the requirement that 50 percent of sales come from food at establishments that serve alcohol for consumption on the premises.

The county already allowed such exemptions for bowling alleys, cigar shops and golf courses.

Commission Chairman Charles Laughinghouse opposed the measure.

Elliott Smith, a local attorney, spoke in favor of the change on behalf of Port Royale Marina in northeastern Forsyth.

He explained that his client recently completed a floating store and boat rental, along with a tiki restaurant.

“They would like to seek a pouring license at that location,” Smith said. “Due to the nature of being on the floating platform and the type of food that they intend to serve, it will not be a full-service restaurant.”

He said the eatery would likely serve hamburgers and hot dogs, but would not use a deep fryer or grill.

The commission also approved a change that will allow establishments that already have pouring licenses to sell liquor by the drink at events.
Businesses may do so 12 times per year and must obtain a special permit every time for $250.

Other changes include the restriction that package stores may not set up shop within 100 feet of a child care center, regardless of whether it receives state or federal funding for educational purposes.

The commission agreed to hold off until its next meeting on requiring employees who serve alcohol by the drink to obtain their own permit to sell.