Over at Ben Hill Package Store, not far from Greenbriar Mall, thristy Atlantans can get a cup of ice to go with their hard liquor.
At the drive-thru window. And the store is proud to do so:
State regulations clearly show it is a state violation for package stores to sell anything but bags of ice. That means cups of ice are not allowed. An employee at one liquor store told Channel 2 that’s un-American.
“It’s the American way,” said employee Chris Melton.
Melton works at Ben Hill Package Store and said he is not happy state alcohol agents are forcing the store to stop selling cups of ice.
“These cats, they have a hard day at work, they come to the liquor store, buy a cup of ice…most people. I’m not saying all of them. Before they get home, they’re gonna drink and drive,” said Melton. …
… The Georgia Alcohol Dealer’s Association disputes the state’s interpretation of the regulation banning cups of ice. It thinks stores can sell cups of ice as long as there are lids on the cups, which it thinks would make the cups packaged.
The Revenue Department says the Dealer’s Association is wrong and only bags of ice can be sold.
Meanwhile, you cannot buy any booze at all on Sunday in Georgia. Packaged cups of ice or no. Drive-thru or not.
Another reason to be glad you live in Charlotte. And stay the hell away from Atlanta.
