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Golf courses may sell liquor

Molly Shanks, For The Miami Student

Golfers may now be able to enjoy a few drinks while playing at Potters Park and Twin Run golf courses in Hamilton.

The golf courses applied for liquor licenses March 29 and are still waiting for state approval.

Matt Mullins, public relations director for the Commerce Division of Liquor Control, said Potters Park Golf Course is on a waitlist for the license.

"We can't process the application because there aren't any openings for this permit type in Hamilton right now," Mullins said.

Hamilton can only issue 32 permits similar to the one Potters Park applied for. Because the maximum number of permits has already been issued, the golf course was placed on a waiting list with only one other application ahead of it.

Twin Run's application is currently pending, and the process to get it approved typically takes 10-12 weeks, Mullins said. Obtaining the licenses requires a $100 filing fee and an annual fee of $376.

Miami University junior Robert Woodhull said although he has not golfed at these locations yet, he may consider it once alcohol is sold.

"It'd be more likely for me to get a foursome or something together just knowing they serve liquor, especially when it's nice out and you want to get outside," Woodhull said.

Sophomore Terry O'Brien grew up on a golf course and said drinking while golfing is simply part of the experience.

"Alcohol is a lot bigger than you'd think," O'Brien said. "You just talk to someone in the golf cart and you talk over a beer."

Woodhull said he also expects the liquor licenses to change things, predicting the sale of alcohol will attract many others students similar to himself.

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"It will definitely attract more students," Woodhull said. "There are events where it's dad's weekend or something and they're looking to go golfing. I know if the courses had beer they'd be more likely to rent out a room and drink before or after play."