Atlanta proposal would make Finance’s role in alcohol licensing explicit

Atlanta is considering making a distinction explicit in its alcohol rules: the mayor approves a license; Finance’s Office of Revenue issues it. Ordinance 26-O-1567 is on the Public Safety and Legal Administration Committee’s Oct. 12 agenda for second-reading consideration at 1 p.m.⁠[1]

The proposal describes a clarification of established practice, not the creation of a new licensing office. Its supporting text says the Office of Revenue has traditionally administered and issued city alcohol licenses and permits. The amendment would expressly require that office to issue them following approval.⁠[1]

The proposed language keeps approval with the mayor. It also retains the license review board’s public-hearing and recommendation steps, rather than putting Finance in charge of deciding whether an application should be approved.⁠[1]

The ordinance says clarification is needed but does not identify a specific dispute or administrative failure prompting it. Its stated purpose is to spell out the issuing office—not to document why an applicant might be waiting for a license.⁠[1]

This remains a proposal, not an enacted change. The packet also lists Finance/Executive Committee consideration for Oct. 14 at 1:30 p.m., with forwarding contingent on a Public Safety recommendation. The amendment would take effect immediately upon approval.⁠[1]