Two chosen to get chance to open package stores in Rockmart city limits after voters approve sales in 2021

Note: This story has been updated with additional information.

Voters last year chose to allow for package liquor sales to begin within the city limits of Rockmart, and the time came on the evening of February 24 to determine wo would get the chance to open the first two stores on the east side of Polk County.

Clint Brock and Grant Atkins are the first two applicants who have been selected to open stores that allow package sales inside the city limits.

Three additional alternates were drawn during a lottery session held at the City of Rockmart on Thursday evening to determine out of all the applicants who would have a chance to open the stores.

After meeting the requirements to get to this point, 14 people sought out the chance to get the first two stores in Rockmart, which are the set number allowed by law for the size of Rockmart’s population within the city limits. When the city reaches the next milestone in population, new licenses can be sought.

Brock and Atkins now have 120 days to apply for a Conditional Use permit on a building to house their potential package stores, per City Manager Stacey Smith.

The city hired a third-party consultant to conduct the lottery, Smith added.

If neither Brock or Atkins can meet that 120 day requirement, then one of the three alternates chosen in order will get the chance to apply.

No word yet on where either expects to place a store.