Rumors can run rampant in a small town, and Carl is no exception to that rule.

The word on the street in Barrow’s smallest incorporated community for the past week is that the emergence of a "private club" located off Carl-Cedar Hill Road is just a fancy way of saying "strip club."

Well, that’s not so. The club — Doc McGee’s — is actually setting up to become the largest music venue in the county.

Workers were out and about Thursday afternoon, building a stage that will showcase various musicians — both local and national acts.

The Barrow County News was invited inside the club Thursday to see construction.

In addition to the stage, Doc McGee’s will offer pool tables for entertainment.

The establishment has applied for its business license and is looking to pour beer. However, they will be unable to do that until the town finalizes its alcohol ordinance, which will receive its second read and can then be approved at the Carl Town Hall meeting on March 18.

The club kicked off on Friday night with the Atlanta-bred Lefty Williams Band.

In order to operate on Friday night, the town had to give the club a special
event permit.

Worn Soul Entertainment Group LLC. is looking not only to create a club for music, but also a music school.

Carl Mayor David Brock has been a supporter of allowing businesses pouring licenses, in an effort to bring business to the town.

That decision — which Carl residents approved of in the November 2009 election — has proved to
bring about some controversy, what with the strip club rumors.

Local non-profits were asked to vacate the building for the club, and soon after rumors began flying.

When fully operational, the club will be required to have a Peace Officer Standards and Training Council certified law enforcement officer on the premises.

Having an officer on the property may ensure that noise violations and shenanigans are kept to a minumim.