By Cade Fowler - bio | email
LEESBURG, GA (WALB) – You can get a cold brew at San Joe's Mexican restaurant Monday through Saturday. But if a mixed drink or margarita is what you're thirsty for, right now you're out of luck.
"We've had several customers, first thing they ask is can we serve margaritas? Unfortunately, we can't at the moment. But they do get up and leave," said Romero Alvarez.
He moved San Joe's from downtown Albany to Leesburg. It's been open for about a month and half. He was aware the city did not allow mixed drink sales, but he believes liquor sales would generate more revenue for his business while attracting others.
"This would definitely help a good 30% for the business and hopefully bring more business into Leesburg," said Alvarez.
Lee County passed measure a few years ago allowing mixed drink and Sunday sales but it didn't include the city of Leesburg.
Alvarez understands there will be some opposition to the measure, but he wants voters to know his restaurant is not in the business of getting it's patrons drunk and allowing them to drive.
"Those who have a different opinion, I respect that. But we're not trying to bring in a bar to my establishment. It's a family business," he said.
Right now San Joe's is the only restaurant in Leesburg that serves alcohol. If the measure doesn't pass, Alvarez says he'll have to make a tough business decision on whether or not to remain open within city limits.
Leesburg isn't the only south Georgia community that will vote on alcohol issues.
Terrell County commissioners put a mixed drink referendum on the ballot after an entrepreneur announced plans to open a sports bar in the county.
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