We're glad to see that the Board of Commissioners is preparing for a public vote on by-the-drink alcohol sales in Newton County.

If the public votes for the alcohol ordinance being drafted, we believe the county will see a larger tax base in coming years by attracting some first-class restaurants and businesses to the county.

The ordinance ensures that people who will be allowed to sell alcoholic to the public pass a thorough background check.
While we agree with that process, the initial fees set for background checks for both alcohol license holders and their employees seemed too high based on a conversation we had with a convenience store lobbyist who saw the article we posted online about the ordinance and its fees.

We simply want to make sure the fees are priced fairly and don't gouge any business or their employees.