THOMASTON, Ga. — An old law on the books is sparking a spirited debate in Thomaston, Georgia.
The city is divided over a law that's preventing a locally-owned liquor store from opening its doors.
"I'm not a crier, but this town has brought me to tears," Steve Duke said about the support he's seen.
He stepped out on faith to open Duke's Wine and Spirits. The City of Thomaston approved his plan in 2022. But a year later, the Department of Revenue denied the State Liquor License. Officials said the holy spirit is quite literally too close.
Georgia law cites that a liquor store must be more than 100 yards away from a church. One church is 71 yards away from Duke's Wine and Spirits, and another is now 85 yards away.
But those churches weren't always there - nor are they clearly visible.
"I realize we live in the Bible Belt. I am a person of faith myself, so I was really sensitive about building this business around the faith community in Thomaston," he said.
Duke explained that when he applied to win the liquor license, he checked to make sure there was no church near the property. Documentation shows he earned the support of the community and city before setting up shop.
Eight months later, a church signed a lease to worship in a building across the street. Later that summer, another church moved in next door.
The short distance put Duke's dreams out of reach.
"There is no arguing who was here first. The City of Thomaston doesn't dispute that," Duke said.
The City of Thomaston declined to comment, but the city manager's sworn affidavit asserts Duke's facts.
Faith Tabernacle Ministries Pastor Kevin Hobbs helps lead his congregation of about 25 parishioners. They worship every Sunday and Thursday across from Duke's business.
Hobbs explained that what happens next is a separation of church and state.
"I take a stand against alcohol because that's what my faith is - but this ain't up to me," said Hobbs.
More than a dozen people came out recently to rally behind Duke in the spirit of community.
"I'm a Christian. I've been in church my whole life, and I understand where they're coming from. But this is wrong," said resident Stacey Deloatch.
Duke's longtime friend Jaye Eubanks also expressed his support, saying opening a business is not a sin.
"It isn't fair. It's bureaucracy, and it's red tape," he said. "Steve has done absolutely everything right and by the book."
One day before 11Alive's story about the dispute was set to air, it did.
Call it an act of divine intervention.
Dukes told 11Alive over a zoom call, after we started asking questions, the Department of Revenue conditionally accepted their appeal, and ruled the business should be awarded the liquor license after all.
"I really believe that you, 11Alive, coming down and doing the story, giving this the attention we think it needed was important. I don't think it's a coincidence that we got a decision the day before the 11Alive story was supposed to run," said Dukes.
The documents in the appeal show the lease date of the building was signed before the churches moved in next door.
"It feels like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders," said Duke.
He plans to open the doors to Duke's Wine and Spirits as soon as he has the liquor license in hand.