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Proposal would clear path for liquor at cigar lounges By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County may carve out a new regulatory category to allow the serving of liquor at cigar lounges, businesses whose owners say function as community gathering spaces. At a June 23 meeting, the Forsyth County Commission heard a staff presentation about potential changes to the Unified Development Code. The code, which regulates what types of businesses can operate where, could be amended to create a special category for cigar lounges. Currently, the businesses fall under a wider category that includes other tobacco-selling establishments, such as smoke shops, vapor cigarette shops or nontraditional tobacco paraphernalia shops. They are permitted in the same zoning categories as liquor stores. Cigar lounges would be defined as businesses with 60 percent or more of annual sales coming from hand-rolled cigars and onsite smoking areas. Alcohol could be sold for on-premises consumption. Commissioners also are considering whether to allow cigar lounges to sell liquors.
See CIGAR, Page 20
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Customers of Cumming Cigar Company enjoy cigars, drinks and one another’s company June 23.
Forsyth County mourns death of longtime tax commissioner FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County’s tax commissioner died June 27 after serving 21 years in the office. Tax Commissioner Matthew C. Ledbetter, 59, was found dead in his home, Forsyth County said June 28. Board of Commissioners Chairman Alfred John said he and other county officials were shocked and saddened by the news. Noting Ledbetter’s “warmth, wit and gregarious personality,” John said residents consistently praised his office, which was
ROI
matters.
modernized under Ledbetter’s leadership. “Tax Commissioner Matthew Ledbetter spent decades serving others, both through his office and throughout the community, in ways many may never fully know,” John said, adding, “My prayers and support are with Matthew’s wife, his sons, his family and the many lives he touched for the better.” Ledbetter took office in 2005 and was in his sixth term, which was slated to expire in 2028. He was a graduate of Forsyth
Central High School and the University of Georgia. City of Cumming Mayor Troy Brumbalow called the man a close friend. “I'm heartbroken by the sudden loss … Matthew never met a stranger, loved his family and friends, was always going wide open and transformed the Tax Commissioner’s Office into a well-oiled machine,” Brumbalow said. “I love you, my friend. Until we meet again.” — Jon Wilcox
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Tax Commissioner Matthew C. Ledbetter was found dead June 27.
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