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Bibb County commissioner seeks to limit new convenience store licenses

Virgil Watkins' ordinance would put a moratorium on new convenience store licenses in much of south and west Macon.

MACON, Ga. — One Bibb County commissioner want to limit convenience store licenses in two large chunks of the city.

Virgil Watkins has drafted an ordinance to put a moratorium on new beer-and-wine store licenses in the 31204 and 31206 zip codes.

His proposed ordinance argues that the large number of businesses selling alcohol in those areas contributes to crime, drugs, gang activity, violence, poverty and blight.

Two zip codes would cover much of south and west Macon, and include Pleasant Hill and Vineville, Bloomfield and commercial stretches along Mercer University Drive, Eisenhower Parkway, Houston Avenue and Pio Nono Avenue.

The proposed ordinance wouldn't affect businesses with current licenses that are looking to renew them.

The commission is scheduled to consider Watkins' proposal Tuesday night.

They're also scheduled to review a previous vote denying an alcohol license for the Friends Food Mart on Houston Avenue.

Law enforcement said store owners ignored crime on their property and failed to cooperate with law enforcement.

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