Beginning Dec. 27 interested parties will be able to file application with the state for a shot at one of five quota liquor licenses, according to the Department of Business and Professional Regulations.

“The 45 day application period for inclusion in the drawing of five new quota liquor licenses to be issued in Suwannee County begins Dec. 27 and continues through 5 p.m., Feb. 9, 2012,” DBPR Deputy Communications Director Beth Frady wrote by email.

According to Frady, the double random drawing to select the persons who are entitled to apply for the licenses will occur after all applications received have been reviewed and all candidates are determined to be eligible.

“The length of time this takes is determined by the number of applications received, the number of applications that include deficiencies, and the number of applications determined to be ineligible,” Frady wrote.

She said ineligible applicants have certain rights outlined in Chapter 120 of the Florida Statutes and all challenges must be settled before the state can move forward with the drawing.

According to the DBPR, the limit of five liquor licenses is based on the county’s population. Anyone wishing to apply to be included in the double random drawing, or to obtain more information may do so by visiting the DBPR online at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/abt/index.html.

On Aug. 16, Suwannee County voters elected to end the county’s long standing “dry” status, which approved the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises and sales by the package.

On Nov. 16, no challenges were filed in circuit court testing the validity of the election which allowed the sale of alcohol containing more than 6.243 percent or more by volume allowable. Intoxicating spirits by the package can’t be sold until the five liquor licenses are issued.