§ 3-14-56. Appeals.

(a)

All decisions approving, denying, suspending or revoking a license issued pursuant to this article or licenses shall be in writing, with the reasons therefor stated, and mailed or delivered to the applicant.

(b)

In case such application is denied by the business license supervisor, said denial shall be subject to initial appeal to the license review panel. There is hereby established a license review panel.

(1)

The license review panel shall hear appeals from administrative decisions by the business license supervisor in regards to applications for alcoholic beverage licenses. An opportunity to present evidence and cross-examine opposing witnesses shall be afforded to appellants at this meeting.

(2)

The license review panel shall have no jurisdiction to hear any appeal or to reverse, modify, or set aside any decision made by the board of commissioners.

(3)

The license review panel shall be composed of three (3) members appointed by the county manager based on their position within the county. Post 1 shall be a county employee of the public safety division. Post 2 shall be a county employee of the planning and zoning services division. Post 3 shall be a county employee that serves as a general administrator within county government. Said appointees shall serve at the discretion of the county manager for an indefinite term.

The license review panel shall meet at such times as may be necessary. The license review panel shall select one (1) of its members as chair. Minutes shall be taken of the meetings of the license review panel and said minutes shall be kept in the business license office.

(c)

The decision of the license review panel to affirm, reverse, or modify, a decision of the business license supervisor shall be final unless appealed to the board of commissioners within fifteen (15) business days of the date of decision by the license review board. An opportunity to present evidence and cross-examine opposing witnesses shall be afforded to appellants at this meeting. The board of commissioners shall, within fifteen (15) business days from the conclusion of the hearing, render a decision to affirm or deny the decision of the business license supervisor.

(Ord. No. 07-06, § 5, 7-9-07)

State law reference

Similar provisions, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 3-3-2(b).