The Demorest City Council voted on an amendment to its alcohol ordinance on Thursday, April 3, 2025, making changes to the rules governing off-premises alcohol sales. The amendment, which removes a previously set expiration date, will allow out-of-city vendors to operate inside Demorest city limits and acquire a city-issued alcohol pouring license for events.
Last year, the city passed an alcohol ordinance amendment to allow vendors from outside Demorest to cater alcohol at events within the city. This included vendors with alcohol pouring licenses issued by the county or other cities in Habersham County. However, the amended ordinance contained a “sunset clause,” set to expire on March 31, 2025, potentially limiting the ability for outside vendors to continue operating within the city.
Before the change, event promoters—such as those organizing events at Piedmont University—faced restrictions on using outside vendors. They were required to rely on city-based restaurants for both food and alcohol services. This effectively shut out off-premise alcohol vendors not already established in Demorest from participating in events inside the city.
A review of the city’s alcohol ordinance revealed that the license requirements for off-premise alcohol sales did not tie alcohol vendors to food vendors or restaurants. This means that food caterers and alcohol caterers can operate independently from one another. As a result, the Demorest City Council recognized the need for changes to the ordinance to allow for greater flexibility and more vendor options for city events.
During the council’s work session on Tuesday, April 1, the decision was made to remove the sunset clause, making the amendment to the alcohol ordinance permanent.
Later that evening, during the regular council meeting, the council voted to approve the change. The amendment was presented as the first reading of the revised off-premises alcohol catering ordinance. Also, the council scheduled a special called meeting for Thursday, April 3, at noon, to hold the second reading and finalize the decision.
Mayor Jerry Harkness was unable to attend the special called meeting due to a prior engagement. Mayor pro-tem Donnie Bennett conducted the proceedings. After a brief discussion, Bennett opened the floor for public comment, but no members of the public spoke. The council then voted to approve the amended ordinance, making the changes permanent and finalizing the rule for off-premises alcohol sales at events in Demorest.
The amendment is expected to offer greater flexibility for event organizers and open the door for more vendors to participate in city events.
