as read in "The Dahlonega Nugget"

Lumpkin County voters approved a liquor-by-the-drink referendum by a vote of 3,730 to 2,364 in last week's primary election. It will take some time before restaurant owners can begin serving those margaritas and frozen daiquiris, however.

First, county attorney K.C. Horne must write an ordinance to govern the sale of alcohol and how it is licensed.

Horne said he has provided ordinances from surrounding counties to members of the board of commissioners.

Once their comments are in hand, he will re-write the current beer and wine ordinance to include the licensing of those wishing to sell distilled spirits for on-premises consumption.

“This is not for your corner bar,” Horne said. “The primary purpose of the establishment must be food service, which will have to be some percentage of total sales.”

The board of commissioners will determine what percentage is necessary. In the city of Dahlonega, 50 percent of sales must come from food in order to keep an alcohol license.

Horne said the target date for having a draft ordinance to the board is Thursday, March 6 at the work session, but it could be as late as April. The board must then approve the ordinance during a regular meeting before a license can be applied for.

No cost for the license has yet been established. That, too, will be up to the board.