The Dawsonville City Council last night showed its support for a house bill that would make it legal to sell alcohol at the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery. Currently, the distillery is permitted by state law to give away free one-ounce tastings but not to sell its own products.

The city council unanimously approved a resolution to support House Bill 186 (HB 186) which, if passed by the Georgia legislature, would allow two liters, or about one quart of alcohol per person, to be sold on-site at the distillery. HB 186 was sponsored by Rusty Kidd (I-Milledgeville) whose district also includes a distillery.

Dawson County Chamber President Christie Haynes addressed the council asking for their support of the bill.

Essentially the distillery would be similar to a liquor store, but with limitations on the amount they could sell, she said. It would be a huge boost for tourism and for economic growth in our community.

Haynes added that she is working with cities across the state and asking them to show the same support.

The city also had the first reading of a proposed amendment to its alcohol ordinance. If approved, the amendment would allow non-profit organizations to sell or distribute alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises for a period not to exceed three days . . . . Amendments to the citys ordinance may not be made without a public hearing, which is scheduled for Monday, March 4, 5 p.m. at City Hall.

The city council also approved:

New workplace safety policies. The city can then apply for a matching $6,000 grant to purchase safety cones, goggles and other safety equipment.

Changing the start time for the Dawsonville Planning Commission to 5 p.m. It previously was held at 5:30 p.m. Meetings are held the third Monday of each month in the G.L. Pete Gilleland Council Chambers at City Hall.