The commission’s recent meeting prominently featured the approval of various one-day permits for community events scheduled at the Perry Auditorium. The Haywood Hospital Employee Holiday Social received approval for its event on December 5th, continuing its tradition of holiday celebrations for the second year. The Gateway Fiber meet and greet, set for November 13th, also secured a one-day license. Attendees for this event are expected to be around 30, as confirmed by the application representative. Additionally, the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce obtained a one-day liquor license for their December 4th event, and the Women’s Circle of Giving Holiday Meeting was approved for November 19th.

In old business, the commission discussed several pending license updates. Notably, the Sawa Asian Cuisine and Lounge’s license transfer, initially approved in April, is pending new required certificates before finalization. Meanwhile, the Sawa to Go on-premises alcohol application received approval on November 7th after an extensive review process. The South Garden Hotel and Gardener Lodge 1426 Elks also have ongoing license updates under review by the ABCC. The Gardner Fish and Gun Club’s change of officers is still pending approval.

The commission welcomed Dewan Felzone as the new administrative assistant in the Health Department, who will also serve as the clerk for the License Commission. The commission expressed appreciation for Felzone’s willingness to take on this responsibility and offered support during her transition into the role.