The Ellijay City Council approved the first reading of two amendments this week allowing for Sunday Sales of alcohol.Approval of the new amendments came during council’s November 19th meeting. The first readings included the approval of On Premise (By-the-drink) and Off Premise (By-the-package) amendments to Ellijay’s Alcohol Ordinance, a result of the approval of a Sunday Sales referendum on the November 6th ballot.

According to Ellijay City Clerk Sharon Spivey, the city council will now have a final reading at its next meeting. Following the final reading, Sunday Sales will begin in January, Spivey said.

The city does not know yet which businesses will participate in Sunday Sales, but Spivey emphaized that all package sales will consist only of beer or wine, since Ellijay does not have any liquor stores.

In addition to the first readings, council also approved renewals of alcohol licenses to several businesses including three on premise consumption renewals to Cajun Depot, the American Legion, and Wolf Creek Canyon BBQ; one wine tasting Renewal for Southern Grace, and one off premise renewal alcohol license to Transfer Valley Management (Marathon Station). Spivey says these renewals are not connected to Sunday Sales and are typical renewals.

“It is like applying for the first time, except without the advertising,”

Spivey says.

The next city council meeting which will include the final reading of Ellijay’s new alcohol ordinance will be Monday, December 17th.