Jacksonville Council to consider revision of cities liquor sales ordinances

The Jacksonville City Council is considering whether the city should loosen restrictions that keep some restaurants from selling liquor.

In their Monday  work session, Councilman Jonathan Tompkins said the city should consider allowing restaurants to sell liquor regardless of how close they are to one another, a school or a church.

Tompkins said It would hopefully increase the revenue for restaurants, and hopefully that will help the city.

Jacksonville businesses can not sell liquor if they are within 500 feet of a school, including Jacksonville State University, a church or another business that sells liquor.

During the work session, council members discussed revising two ordinances, one that put into place the distance restrictions for businesses that sell liquor and another that keeps the council from voting on liquor licenses for businesses that can't comply with those distance restrictions.

Council President Mark Jones said the council will likely vote on amending the ordinances at its Dec. 22 meeting.