LaFAYETTE — Roanoke business owner Kerrie Welch was at the Chambers County Commission meeting on Monday, Aug. 27 with an unusual request to the commissioners.

Welch’s business, The Southern Saloon, located at 4046 County Road 237, is a popular spot for locals to get a drink, play some cornhole and listen to live music. Welch’s request: to get permission to allow kids in during the day for recreation.

“This would allow us to be able to let the kids come in during the afternoon to shoot pool and eat food, instead of running up and down the road not having anywhere to go,” she said. “We are not just a bar, we have food and this would give me the opportunity to monitor these kids, make sure they aren’t doing anything they aren’t supposed to.”

Welch was specifically asking the commission to grant her business private status, which she relayed was all the Alcoholic Beverage Control board said was needed to have doors open to those under 19 during the day. She even cited the approval of Chambers County Sheriff Sid Lockhart.

The main concern from the commission came from Attorney Skip McCoy, who told Welch that the main issue would come during the transition from kid-friendly to adult-only.

“One of the biggest things is going to be the time frame,” he said.

Welch assured McCoy and the rest of the commission that she was on the property every night and took pride in her track record of keeping minors away from alcohol. McCoy recommended she come back to commissioners with set hours of minor access.

In other action, the commission re-appointed Mary Alsobrook to the Chambers County DHR Board, approved a budget amendment for the Drug Task Force to issue overtime pay and amended the Jail Supplemental fund for $30,000 to be used for the Jail Administrator to purchase a Dodge truck.

Also on Monday night, members of the commission and public were awarded plaques for a variety of accomplishments.

Commissioner Sam Bradford was recognized for becoming a graduate of the Alabama Local Government Training Institute, joining 98 other Alabama county commissioners who share the distinction.

“Commissioner Bradford’s achievement underscores a strong commitment and dedication to public service in county government,” said administrator of the program Dr. Joe Summers.

Kimberly Fuller Carter and Chris Busby of the Chambers County Development Authority received the ACAA “Community Branding Initiative” award for their “Strength Woven In” campaign that can be seen on county branding around the Greater Valley Area.

Before adjourning, the commission called for a Sept. 5 Rules, Ways and Means meeting to be held in the County Commission offices at 8 a.m. central time.