Marietta To Discuss Drive-Thru Liquor Sales

MARIETTA, Ga. — Marietta city council will talk about drive-thru liquor sales Wednesday. The issue was raised after a businessman said the current ordinance will put him out of business.

The sign outside Elite Package Store in Marietta says drive-thru and that’s what customers are used to.

“It’s in and out service. It’s awesome. You don’t have to get out of your car if it’s raining,” said customer Sandra Byas.

The package store has done business that way for 28 years. Customers can either walk in and pay or roll through the drive-thru to buy liquor.

“I love the drive-thru window,” said customer Ted Cotton.

Jidish Patel owns the business but rents the space. The store used to be in Cobb County but the owner annexed the property into the city of Marietta about 17 years ago. Last week the city cited Patel for using the drive-thru window.

“I had no idea, everybody was surprised,” said Patel.

It was then he learned the city and the county have a different ordinance regarding drive-thru windows. It’s legal in the county to sell liquor that way, but not in the city. 30-percent of Patel’s business comes through the window.

“If lose 30-percent of my customers in this economy I’m going to be out of business and my competitor will gain the business,” said Patel.

That competitor is less than a half-mile away in Cobb County. Regulars said they’ll change stores if Patel’s window shuts down.

“The loyalty’s good but the convenience is the most important thing. You’re coming and spending your money you want convenience,” said Byas.

The city council will discuss lifting the ban on drive-thru liquor sales Wednesday afternoon. 14 liquor stores in Marietta would be affected.