Oconee County Board of Commissioners amends ordinance after local restaurant’s liquor license revoked
Costa Alegre co-owners Martha Rodriguez, left, and Rudy Rodriguez, center-right, pose for a photo with friends and customers Allyson Griffith, center-left, and Chris Griffith at the meeting at the Oconee County Government Complex on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. Costa Alegre will retain their liquor license after commissioners amended the liquor ordinance at Tuesday’s meeting. (Photo/Shad McMillan)
By Evan Frilingos
The Oconee County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday at its regular meeting to amend its alcohol ordinance, reducing the minimum distance required between liquor sales and schools or churches from 600 feet to 300 feet.
The decision comes after Costa Alegre Seafood and Grill had its liquor license revoked for being less than 600 feet from school property under a new measurement system, despite the county having granted them the license two years ago.
“We love what we do, we love that we run it as a family, and that we get to do it together and have the support of the community,” said Martha Rodriguez, Costa Alegre co-owner. “Without this amendment being passed, we could have been drastically affected and in the near future potentially have to close.”
Costa Alegre announced itslicense had been revoked on social media a day before Tuesday’s meeting, and staff and supporters attended the meeting to see the amendment be approved.
“We wanted to be clear that businesses like us can exist and can thrive due to the assistance of people like them,” said Rudy Rodriguez, Costa Alegre co-owner, on their need for help from the commissioners to amend the ordinance. “And also for all of our customers here in support … thank you for your support not only there but by being here.”
The amendment is to Chapter 6, Section 5(f) of the Oconee County Code.
The board also heard a presentation by Kemper Sports on the planned sports facilities development at Dawson Park. The presentation included new information on costs and potential revenue from sports tourism, which the park will aim to attract.
An estimated $179,000 of taxpayer dollars would be spent if the county approves the project, but a couple million dollars would be spent in maintenance if the park didn’t undergo any development, said John Daniell, the board’s chair.
The board began consideration of the project earlier this fall, and construction could begin in July, Daniell said.
Oconee County Board Chair John Daniell speaks to reporters about the Kemper Sports project at Dawson Park at the meeting at the Oconee County Government Complex on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. The project aims to start construction next year. (Photo/Evan Frilingos)
Why I wrote this story
Oconee County's regular meeting took place a day after a local business posted complaints on social media about the county's actions to revoke their liquor permit, and this story focused on the county's response at the meeting where the business also made public comments. The story had to be published immediately after the meeting due to timeliness, proximity and consequence newsworthy factors.