Warner Robins pauses new liquor and vape businesses for six months
City leaders say the pause allows time to review ordinances governing liquor and vape-related businesses.
WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Warner Robins City Council unanimously approved a six-month moratorium Monday night on issuing licenses for new retail liquor package stores and businesses primarily selling vape, CBD, tobacco and related products.
The resolution, introduced by Post 4 Councilman Kevin Lashley, pauses the issuance of new licenses through June 2, 2026, unless the council takes further action. Pending applications already submitted before the moratorium are exempt.
City staff said the temporary hold is intended to maintain the current landscape while officials review and update city ordinances regulating those businesses.
According to the resolution presented, the city is continuing work on ordinance amendments governing the process, location and number of package liquor stores and vape-related businesses, but that work has taken longer than expected.
During discussion, Lashley pointed to the growing number of vape shops in the city.
“Seeing the development of these, particularly in my interest the vape stores in general, which never seem to have anybody at ’em, but we have about 800 of them out there,” Lashley said. “It’s kind of amazing to me.”
Post 1 Councilman Derek Mack said the decision reflects concerns raised by residents.
“I’m sure every one of us, to include the mayor, has heard the cry of the public about the many vape shops, the many parcels of selling packages and other things like that,” Mack said. “We heard your cry, and we’re trying to do something about it.”
Mayor LaRhonda Patrick cited licensing data during the meeting, saying Warner Robins currently has 20 licensed retail liquor stores and 39 licensed vape stores, not including vape products sold inside convenience stores or liquor stores.
The motion to adopt the moratorium was seconded by Post 2 Councilman Charlie Bibb and Mack, and it passed unanimously.
