Two new packages stores, both east of Ga. 400, were approved to open in Dawson County recently.

The two new stores are War Hill Beverage, located at the intersection of Hwy. 53 and Blue Ridge Overlook, and Dawson Fine Wine and Spirits, along Ga. 400 near the Oakmont Development.

County officials hope the new stores will bring Dawson County additional tax revenue that was previously going to Forsyth County.

War Hill Beverage, which the board initially approved last September to open in a freestanding building on the same property, now plans to open in a 1,000 square feet suite next to the Fast Stop Convenience store, according to owners Candy and Douglas Adams.

The Dawson County Board of Commissioners, after voters approved package liquor sales in 2006 by an almost 20 percent margin, took great links to limit package stores’ adjacency to other main structures such as churches, daycare centers, schools and alcohol treatment facilities.

County officials said patrons of the convenience store would only be able to enter the package store after exiting the convenience store and entering through a separate entrance.

Plans for Dawson Fine Wine and Spirits include a freestanding building and 8,250 square feet operation along Ga. 400.

No word has been released concerning when construction will begin for the Dawson Fine Wine and Spirits.

War Hill Beverage should be open within the next month.

Premium Package at the intersection of Dawson Forest and Lumpkin Campground roads is also scheduled to open in September.

With the approval of the two new stores, the county has licensed five package stores since early 2007.

RK Package, on Prominence Court, and City Liquor of Dawsonville, in downtown Dawsonville, opened last year. 

E-mail Michele Hester at michele@dawsonnews.com.