Augusta, GA

Augusta bar owners ‘disappointed’ over dry New Year’s Eve decision

Published

1 year ago

December 13, 2023

Augusta bar owners ‘disappointed’ over dry New Year’s Eve decision

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s almost 2024, but no one will be popping champagne at midnight in bars in Augusta.

It’s been a week since bar owners protested the Augusta Commission’s decision to pick Super Bowl Sunday over New Year’s Eve for Sunday sales.

While nothing can be done to fix it this year, gears are in motion for a solution for next year.

The problem is that Super Bowl Sunday, Cinco de Mayo, and Saint Patrick’s Day all fall on Sunday in 2024.

It’s a tricky situation for bars on Broad Street. The current state law only allows them to sell alcohol one Sunday a year, and not everyone can agree on which Sunday to pick.

“It’s ridiculous that we got to live in the past, and it keeps on hindering the future,” said Adrian Estrada, owner of the Loft Augusta.

Estrada led last week’s charge of bar owners fighting for the right to serve alcohol on New Year’s Eve.

While it’s too late for this year, he’s working with other bar owners and commissioners to get the law changed for next year so they can pick their own Sunday to operate when applying for their annual permit.

While they’re united as a front, it’s hard agreeing on one Sunday together.

“I tried to take a poll of several bar owners that I was in contact with, and everybody had a difference of opinion,” said Estrada.

In Savannah, the city already voted to have Sunday sales on Saint Patrick’s Day.

In Athens, they polled 45 bars. The results went to county leaders to vote on, which is what local Augusta bar owners are asking for; a voice in the decision.

District 7 Commissioner Sean Frantom said: “It’s tough. We’re here to support them. We’ve always supported them. This is just something that kind of fell through the cracks, shame on us, and we’ll make sure that won’t happen again.”

They’re working on getting something on the ballot, either in May or November, so Richmond County can vote for change, allowing each bar to pick their favorite Sunday.

Until then, it’s a silent night for December 31.

Estrada said: “Of course, there’s a disappointment because we didn’t get a voice in it. Right now, my personal other feelings in that are determined.”

The commission already voted to have Sunday sales on Super Bowl Sunday next year, but they’re trying to reverse that decision at their first commission meeting of 2024.

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Augusta, GA

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

Published

1 hour ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – After swearing in 100 new deputies at the beginning of his tenure, Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley also addressed promotions and appointments for those in the sheriff’s office.

It happened on Friday before the winter weather got underway and impacted the region.

Brantley spoke with us after about why the new promotions, appointments and people in the sheriff’s office will benefit the community.

“For the most part, when you’re suffering from a shortage of staff like we have been and so many other agencies in the state of Georgia and around the country, I think it is a boost in the arm to onboard 100 people to help get things that we need slow down crime and stop what is plaguing our community,” said Brantley.

Brantley said it was the first step to making the community safer.

He says he has been working on improving the jail as well.

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Augusta, GA

AugustaCon returns to new location in Columbia County

Published

9 hours ago

January 11, 2025

Press Room

AugustaCon returns to new location in Columbia County

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – AugustaCon was back, but in a new home this time.

Saturday’s event was held in Columbia County at the Performing Arts Center.

The event holds video game tournaments and hosts vendors that had anime and video game-style items.

We spoke to one of the vendors, who helped run the video game tournament there.

“We really love it. It’s a great environment. We love seeing new gamers, collectors, anyone that likes anime,” said Cedric Bacon.

If you missed out on Saturday’s AugustaCon, there are ones usually in the summer and winter as well.

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Augusta, GA

Store employee fatally shot in Augusta robbery; suspect arrested

Published

17 hours ago

January 11, 2025

Press Room

Store employee fatally shot in Augusta robbery; suspect arrested

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person was fatally shot in an armed robbery on Lumpkin Road, according to authorities, and a suspect has been arrested.

The victim was identified as 29-year-old Abdallah Rubeha of Augusta.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said the incident happened at the Smoke Shop at 2303 Lumpkin Road around 9:30 p.m. Friday.

Deputies say they arrived to find Rubeha, an employee, had been shot at least once.

He was taken to Wellstar MCG Hospital, where he died at 7:35 a.m. Saturday, according to Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen.

After the robbery, deputies were able to identify three suspects and their vehicle.

The vehicle was registered in Burke County, and Richmond County deputies reached out to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office with the information, according to officials.

Burke County deputies say they attempted a traffic stop at 11:25 p.m. Friday at Savannah Avenue and East 17th Street in Waynesboro.

Deputies in Burke County pursued the vehicle in a high-speed chase, which turned into a foot pursuit, officials say.

The driver, 22-year-old Terrance Walker, was arrested and charged with felony aggravated assault, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime in Richmond County.