The Peachtree City Council convened on December 19, 2024, to discuss several agenda items, with a notable focus on a public hearing regarding a new alcohol license for Wilshire Liquor, Beer and Wine, located at 1200 Highway 74 South, Suite 8.

The meeting began with the mayor outlining the protocol for the public hearing, emphasizing that council members would act as hearers and would not engage in discussions until the hearing was declared complete. City staff presented the application, noting that the location was previously occupied by the Peachtree Bottle Shop, which had closed and relocated within the past year. This detail was crucial as it allowed the new establishment to bypass the state law prohibiting retail alcohol licenses within 500 feet of each other, due to the prior license being held at the site.

Michael Sard, representing the applicant, Ashwin Patney, expressed enthusiasm for the new venture, highlighting Patney's experience in managing liquor stores and his residency in Peachtree City.

During the public comment period, Keith Larson, a resident of Sandown Creek, spoke in favor of the application, arguing that the proposed store would not disproportionately affect the area and would contribute positively to local tax revenue. No opposition was voiced during the hearing.

After closing the public hearing, council members engaged in a brief discussion to clarify details about the location and the legal stipulations surrounding the alcohol license. A motion was made and seconded to approve the license for Wilshire Liquor, which passed unanimously.

The meeting concluded with the council moving on to staff topics, indicating a productive session focused on local business development and regulatory compliance.