MACON, Ga. — A Houston Avenue convenience store will not be able to sell alcohol because law enforcement says it's become a hot spot for crime.
Macon-Bibb County Commission originally denied the license renewal for the store back in May, but the store owner appealed it. On Tuesday, the commission denied it again after a hearing officer recommended the county deny the license.
The commission had the option to deny a license for Friend's Food Mart to sell alcohol or to set conditions.
They decided to deny the license, saying the store owners ignored crime on their property and failed to cooperate with law enforcement.
"There was actual footage of drug deals going on in the neighborhood, we had actual camera footage of loitering, of people drinking on the establishment," said Michele Harris with the County Attorney's Office.
In one case, there was a shootout at a neighboring store. Store employees didn't call law enforcement about that case or about any others.
"They were actually pretty proud that they didn't call law enforcement. Their mentality or practice was to tell their employees, "Just don't go outside, you're safe,'" Harris said.
The county hopes that this decision will make the area safer.
"Maybe, but they could always get alcohol somewhere else. I'm not even sure if this is what's fueling everything going on out here," said Adraine Fleming who has lived in Pendleton Homes for the past two years.
Fleming says the bottom line is something has to be done to make her South Macon neighborhood safer.
"I just wish it was much safer for me and my little ones," Fleming said.
13WMAZ went into the convenience store and we were told we couldn't take video or pictures. There was beer in the freezer, but a sign says it wasn't for a sale.
The county attorney's office was unsure if the store currently has a license. However, if this decision stands, Friend's won't be selling alcohol again.
"A denial at this location would effectively be a permanent ban as long as Pendleton Homes remain there," said Michael McNeill with the County Attorney's Office.
This means the location won't be eligible to get a new license even if owners change.
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