The Oconee County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday agreed to consider over the next three weeks changes in the draft ordinance presented to it that will allow for the sale of liquor by the drink in county restaurants.

Commission Chairman Melvin Davis recommended that the board review the requirement in the draft ordinance that no more than 25 percent of the gross income at the restaurant be from the sale of alcoholic beverages.

Davis also asked commissioners to consider removing the requirement in the ordinance drafted by County Attorney Daniel Haygood that the sale of alcoholic beverages include the sale of food.

The commissioners also should look into expanding the areas in the county where alcohol can be sold in restaurants, Davis said.

Commissioners John Daniell and Jim Luke did not attend the meeting tonight, and Commissioner Margaret Hale, who did attend, will complete her term at the end of the year.

Commissioner Mark Saxon agreed with Davis’ suggestion, saying he and his fellow commissioners have “some areas we still need to address” before the next meeting of the group on Jan. 6.

The BOC is scheduled to give second reading to the ordinance before adopting it at that meeting.

For more, visit Oconee County Observations.