Bars can now be much closer to churches and schools in Hamilton County

Mixed drinks tile

Hamilton County Commissioners today have loosened the rules governing the distance that separates bars from churches, schools and public gathering places in the unincorporated county.

In a 6-1 vote, commissioners decided to change the county rules to conform with the City of Chattanooga's. After the vote today, bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in the county can be within 500 feet of churches, schools or public gathering places, measured from the nearest point of one property to nearest point of the other. The old distance was 1,500 feet.

Commissioners Greg Beck, Joe Graham, Marty Haynes, Warren Mackey, Sabrena Smedley and Jim Fields voted to loosen the rules.

Only Chester Bankston voted against it.

Tim Boyd and Randy Fairbanks were not present.