Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009

Columbus businesswoman charged with alcohol violations at bridal shop

A Columbus businesswoman has filed a complaint after her Saturday arrest on alleged alcohol violations at her bridal shop.

Judy Wilkinson, 41, was handcuffed in front of about 25 customers around 2:30 p.m. Saturday during a showing at Formal Elegance on Veterans Parkway, reports and Wilkinson said. According to police reports, Wilkinson had an employee serve a mimosa — a drink made of orange juice and champagne.

Wilkinson doesn’t have an alcohol license, records state.

“I got handcuffed, frisked and put in a police car,” Wilkinson said Sunday. “They treated it like they were busting a meth lab.”

Wilkinson was charged with a misdemeanor and a violation of a city ordinance. Out on bond, she said she intends on appearing at her Columbus Recorder’s Court hearing at 9 a.m. today and then meeting with the police chief.

Wilkinson is a member of the West Point, Ga. City Council.

“I’ve seen a lot of things, but I’ve never seen this,” Wilkinson said.