The Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance of 2017 Educational Sessions December 6 & 7 2016
Background Why a new ordinance? Hybrid permits Modernization & Synchronization with State Law Enforcement Options and Sanctions 2
Resources and Contributors Savannah s Current Ordinance Local Stakeholders Input State Statutes and Regulations GA Department of Revenue Alcohol Ordinances from other GA municipalities 3
What Hasn t Changed Application process Fees Approval of Mayor & Aldermen for licensing actions License restrictions Hours of operation Zoning considerations Bona fide social clubs Property maintenance standards 4
What Has Changed Licensing matrix Requirement for proof of financial responsibility Public safety plan Server permits Licensed alcoholic beverage caterers Samples Event venues Underage permits and requirements 5
Licensing Matrix 6
Proof of Financial Responsibility Dram Shop Insurance required for Class A or Class C Submit certificate in effect for license period with application/renewal Annual aggregate limit of not less than $1,000,000 Thirty day notice of cancellation in favor of the City endorsed to the policy and attached to the certificate 7
Proof of Financial Responsibility General Liability Insurance Class A, B (if tastings are offered), C,D,E, or H Submit certificate in effect for license period with application/renewal Annual aggregate limit of not less than $1,000,000 Thirty day notice of cancellation in favor of the City endorsed to the policy and attached to the certificate 8
Public Safety Plan Required for Class C where under 21 not permitted and from those who want an Underage permit Submitted with application/renewal Approved by SCMPD 9
Public Safety Plan Contents Days & hours of operation Crowd management (inside and outside) procedures Identification of parking areas owned or controlled by licensee Means of controlling access to the premises and parking areas Security staffing Procedures to combat underage consumption of alcoholic beverages Measures to combat risk of fire Emergency management Where applicable, measures to distinguish patrons over/under 21 10
Server Permits Required for persons employed as managers, servers, bartenders, doorpersons, or anyone handling, serving, mixing or dispensing alcoholic beverages in Class A, C or H licensed establishments Background check and server training required Licensees required to maintain register, copy of training certificate, copy of photo identification, and copy of permit Must be renewed at least 30 days prior to expiration Server permits must be kept on their person at all times while working Administrative process is still being developed compliance grace period for those newly required to obtain permits 11
Licensed Alcoholic Beverage Caterers Ancillary license available to current Class C and Class D licensees Allows licensee to sell or dispense alcoholic beverages consistent with their primary license in connection with authorized catered function of a limited duration Must apply for separate permit for each authorized catered function 12
Samples Ancillary license available to Class D and E licensees Allows for the gratis provision of one (1) ounce or less portion of wine or malt beverage to a person aged 21 or over 13
Event Venues A location only open to the public for artistic presentations, live or recorded musical presentations, theatrical performances, films or other similar expressive events of a limited duration. Location shall not be open on a daily basis for events, shall not have a permanent bar, and shall only sell alcoholic beverages beginning one hour prior to the scheduled event and no later than one hour after the conclusion of the event. Event venues may not sell, serve or dispense alcohol on Sundays 14
Persons Under the Age of 21 Persons under the age of 21 are permitted upon licensed premises ONLY as follows: Establishments where no less than 50% of the licensee s annual gross sales come from the sale of prepared food (affidavit required), provided that during the time the establishment is open to the public its mode of operation remains unchanged and full menu service is available, and further provided that persons under the age of 21 at no time shall be permitted at the bar. 15
Persons Under the Age of 21 Permitted ONLY as Follows In establishments where less than 50% of annual gross sales are derived from the sale of prepared foods only when live entertainment is available, provided; however, that only persons above the age of 18 shall be permitted upon the premises during live performances, for which he/she has paid an admission charge and the establishment has applied for and obtained an Underage Permit. Live Entertainment - a vocal or instrumental performance by a natural person(s) who is physically present in the establishment while delivering the performance and specifically excludes disc jockeys and karaoke performances. Scanners shall be used at all entry points to screen patrons in order to distinguish between those above and below the age of 21 16
Persons Under the Age of 21 Permitted ONLY as Follows In event venues In establishments with Class D, E, G or H licenses In recreation facilities In hotels, motels, inns, auditoriums, athletic facilities or stadiums In locations where alcohol is dispensed pursuant a temporary event permit 17
Other Items Sunday Sales and Under 21 affidavits must be signed by a CPA New applicants have 6 months from date of license issuance to meet 50% requirement Prepared meals or food must be served on the premises during the time the establishment is open to the public One alcoholic beverage to go per person in paper or plastic cup not over 16 ounces allowable in To-Go cup zone 18
Information Cindy Landolt Revenue Director (912) 651-6451 clandolt01@savannahga.gov Judee Jones Revenue Administrator (912) 651-6447 jjones01@savannahga.gov Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance of 2017 http://savannahga.gov/civicalerts.aspx?aid=1357 19
Alcohol Beverage Control Unit Sergeant Shinita Young Cpl. John Murphy APO. Brandon Thomas Investigator Megan Edwards Investigator Katrina Myers
The Mission Of The ABC Unit Our mission is to improve the quality of life in Savannah Chatham County area though the fair and impartial enforcement of laws and regulations governing the serving, selling, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
ABC Unit Partnerships City Revenue Department City Zoning Department City Fire Marshal Department Chatham County Department of Building Safety Savannah City Council Chatham County Commissioners City & County Property Maintenance. Georgia Department of Revenue Alcohol & Tobacco Division
Duties of an ABC Officer Review alcohol license applications Review special event permits Investigate complaints Conduct covert and overt compliance operations Conduct yearly compliance check of Sunday sales Prepare reports and attend Administrative Hearings as needed Prepare reports, testify, and attend Show Cause Hearings as needed Attend neighborhood meetings concerning alcohol issues.
Compliance Operations Compliance/Inspection Checks: Inspections for violations of state laws and local alcohol ordinance and regulations. Underage Alcohol Sales: Investigations of the sale to and consumption of alcohol by underage individuals. (Significant focus on St. Patrick s Day, Octoberfest, and Orange Crush)
Underage Compliance Checks Underage persons, supervised by law enforcement officers, attempt to purchase alcohol If the attempt is successful, the establishment may be found to be in violation of the Ordinance or State law and appropriate disciplinary action may be taken
Compliance Check Benefits Decrease alcohol sales to minors Show the community that law enforcement cares about responsible and lawful drinking Reduce alcohol-related problems, injuries and crimes
ABC Unit Contact Info Office: SCMPD Headquarters-201 Habersham St Officer Phone: (912) 651-6717 Email: ABCUnit@savannahga.gov
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