Commissioner Winters held a hearing this morning at 10:00 concerning the synthetic marijuana busts that occurred early last month. The Mountain Top Store located on Highway 48 and BJs Food Mart located on Highway 27 received disciplinary action from the Malt Beverage Board and had their alcohol license suspended for 14 days.

The owners of the stores sought legal representation through Mr. Bobby Lee Cook, who claims that Commissioner Winters has “absolutely no jurisdiction or authority” to appeal the ruling of the Malt Beverage Board.

Mr. Cook also stated “We… have no personal animosity towards anyone. Our position is strictly a legal one.”

Commissioner Winters is still awaiting authoritative response as to whether or not he has legal jurisdiction to appeal the Board’s ruling.

Sheriff Mark Schrader presented evidence at the hearing stating that deputies from the Sheriff’s office were able to purchase synthetic marijuana as undercover customers several times. Both stores received letters from the Sheriff’s Office stating that they were able to purchase illegal substances. BJs Food Mart denied further attempts to purchase the substances, but the Mountain Top Store continued to sell.

Sheriff Schrader stated that his personal preference for disciplinary action would include both stores losing their business licenses, but after learning Chattooga County does not issue business licenses, he sought response from the Malt Beverage Board. He agrees with the board and is “content with the Board’s decision.”