The Social Circle City Council has reduced the fees for local businesses applying for a license to sell beer, wine and liquor.

Council member David Keener suggested to the council on Tuesday that the fee be reduced from $2,500 to $500 for 2011.

Restaurants that sell beer and wine will pay a licensing fee of $500 and a $1,000 performance bond. Those that are also selling distilled beverages must pay $500 for a pouring fee and $2,500 for a performance bond.

The original fee had retailers that sold beer and wine paying an annual fee of $500 and a $2,500 performance bond. A pouring license fee of $800 with a $1,000 performance bond was required for businesses to sell beer and wine, while businesses that wanted to sell beer, wine and liquor were required to pay a pouring fee of $2,500 with an equal amount for a performance bond.

Social Circle also has been awarded a grant from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority for $125,000 in stimulus funding that will pay for energy improvements at the public safety building and the welcome center.

The Social Circle City Council meets 6:30 p.m. on third Tuesdays in the community room on East Hightower Trail.