Dawson County has approved a measure authorizing local restaurants to begin "take out” or “to go” sales of alcoholic beverages. 

According to a county press release, the emergency order was enacted by  Billy Thurmond, Chair of the Dawson County Board of Commissioners,  hours before it was announced that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp would be closing all bars and nightclubs in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).   

This local emergency measure is meant to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality and restaurant industries in Dawson County. 

The order, which was signed into action by Thurmond on Monday, allows "table service restaurants with existing and valid on-premise consumption licenses," but which are not already licensed for package sales, are now authorized to sell wine or malt beverages (beer). 

Establishments are limited to selling six-packs of beer and up to two bottles of wine, the beverages must be unopened and sold with a food order of equal or greater value. Growler fills are also allowed the order states.

The measure will stay in effect as long as the statewide declaration of emergency is active or until it is terminated by Thurmond, the release states.