Liquor Store Licensee Application Packets to Be Available Jan. 7

Parties interested in becoming the City of Dacula’s first and, for now, only package store licensee will be able to pick up an application packet -- which will include the application, a copy of the city's alcohol ordinance and the criteria which will be used to score the applications -- beginning Jan. 7. 

The Dacula City Council reviewed the proposed license application during the Dec. 20 work session. The document, according to City Administrator Jim Osborn, is 19 pages long and covers everything from the applicant’s personal information to a proposed business plan.

“This application is pretty extensive,” Osborn said.

Applicants will be expected to provide details about their financial background and prior experience as well as information regarding which individuals or entities will have a business interest in the store. As part of the packet, applicants will also be required to submit a four-sided rendering of the proposed building, a physical address for the store and detailed site and building plans.

“We want to know applicants are capable, experienced and have the money to do this,” said Dacula Mayor Jimmy Wilbanks.

Prospective licensees must pay a $500 non-refundable fee to cover the cost of processing the application. The city will also collect an additional $6,000 package store license fee from each applicant. That fee is refundable should the applicant not be selected as the city’s licensee.

Also during Thursday night’s work session, the city council reviewed the scoring criteria that will be used to assess the applications. The scoring criteria will mirror the application.

“This is just a way to take some of the subjectivity out,” Wilbanks explained. “The bottom line is [the council is] going to vote the way they want to.”

The lower an applicant’s score, the higher that applicant will be ranked. Mayor Wilbanks emphasized completeness of the application will be a major factor in the scoring.

The deadline for submitting the applications is Jan. 22.

On Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, the Dacula City Council will hold a called meeting in which prospective licensees can present their qualifications and plans.  That presentation will also be scored. The following day, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, the council will hold another called meeting to select which individual will be allowed to move forward with the licensing process.

The Dacula City Council will vote on whether to approve the application and the scoring criteria on Jan. 3.

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• Liquor Store Application Process to Begin in January