REMERTON, GA. (WCTV) - The City of Remerton has issued an emergency ordinance amid recent “violent crimes” the town has been facing.

During a “Special Called Meeting” Thursday afternoon, Remerton City Council members met to address the recent crime. The only item on the agenda for the meeting was an emergency ordinance pertaining to operating times for alcohol license holders.

More News out of South Georgia

That ordinance outlines that there is “a current public emergency affecting the life, health, property, and public peace of the residents of the City of Remerton now exists because of the unabated, continuing acts of violence occurring within the City, including, firearm discharges, fights, shootings, murders all occurring within the concentrated hours of 12:00 AM and 4:00 AM within the district of the City wherein the majority of alcohol license holder establishments are located and concentrated...”

The ordinance passed 3-0 after two council members recused themselves from the vote. One member owns a bar, and another is an employee of a bar, according to Remerton Mayor Pro Tem Steve Koffler.

“After much discussion and with the Remerton police department working with the GBI and other departments we are trying to proactively address the seriousness of the situation,” said Koffler.

Because of the city council’s findings, the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance has been temporarily amended to restrict business hours for license holders for the next 30 days. Those with a license have to close by midnight through August 10.

Although most of the problem incidents occur within close proximity to the remerton bars, these problem aren’t actually involving bar patrons. With that being said over the next 29 days we will be in contact with the owner of the big parking lot and bar owners to come up with solutions to provide a safe environment. Safety is our primary concern for both patrons and law enforcement. We have several ideas we are looking into that have been successful in other cities.

This ordinance was created in the wake of a teenager who was shot and killed on July 5 on Baytree Place.

This is a developing story. Stay with WCTV as we continue to learn more.

To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky and X (Twitter).

Have a news tip or see an error that needs attention? Write to us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here to get started.

Copyright 2025 WCTV. All rights reserved.