CAIRO, Ga. (WCTV) - Cairo businesses are facing an increase in their alcohol license fees, which could affect their ability to sell alcohol, according to a letter from the city of Cairo.

Tracy Bauldree, owner of Berk’s Billiards, said that she paid around $1,500 last year and it has now jumped to $2,700.

A letter from the city of Cairo states that local Cairo businesses are required to submit an Alcohol Renewal and Occupational Tax Renewal application in order to sell alcohol.

The city said it must be taken care of by April 1st and presented in a council meeting on March 23rd, as it’s the last council meeting before then.

Bauldree has owned her business for about 9 months and she said that she and her husband can’t afford the increase. They wish the city had given more notice.

“A ridiculous amount you know to jump to and expect us to have to pay that in a month now had you done that a year ago …and sent us the paperwork and said ‘hey this is what the city’s gonna do’ to give all these businesses a chance to actually be there would have been more beneficial," Bauldree said.

Cairo City Manager Booker Gainor said the city discussed raising certain fees, including the alcohol fees, in a public meeting last July. Before this change, alcohol license fees would typically go out in January.

“In July, the city — in a public meeting of course — voted to adopt a master fee schedule, that fee schedule was a comprehensive overview of all of the fees throughout the city,” Gainor said.

Although he shared that the city can take accountability for not communicating more with business owners about the rate change.

“Notice was not given until January so we do take accountability there could have been an increased level of communication in between July and January,” the city manager said.

Bauldree said she’s still hoping they’ll reconsider and give an extension so they can make the payment.

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