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Liquor by the drink foes, backers weigh inPITTSBORO, Jan 28, 2009 (The Herald-Sun - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Some Chatham County residents want to make sure that Cosmopolitans and Irish coffees stay out of their restaurants for good. Others hope that soon they'll be able to wash down their chips and salsa with a margarita on the rocks. A referendum to allow liquor by the drink is under consideration in Chatham County that would allow restaurants and other establishments to serve mixed beverages and other drinks with liquor. Although a public hearing was held Monday on the matter, a decision was not made on how to proceed. "If you have to go to Chapel Hill to get a beer, go to Chapel Hill to get a beer," said Chatham County resident Mel Perry. "I'm in Chatham County. We already have enough alcohol in our county now. By putting this on the ballot you're going to make it even more convenient for them." The Board of County Commissioners let the people voice their opinions on whether to allow a liquor by the drink measure on the ballot or let the commission vote on the proposal at its meeting Monday night. The meeting was rescheduled from last Tuesday due to the inclement, snowy weather. Currently, restaurants are only allowed to serve glasses of beer and wine. Supporters of the referendum cite increased financial gain for the county by allowing liquor by the drink. They say that the measure will encourage large chain restaurants to open in the county. Currently, most chain restaurants, such as Red Robin, won't open in the county because they maintain a full bar in addition to the dining room. Opponents of the proposal have a variety of reasons for being against it. However, most of the opposition boils down to their position that it would encourage more drivers to hit the road with alcohol in their systems. But first commissioners have to decide whether to put the issue on the ballot or decide to vote on the proposal themselves. At Monday's standing-room-only meeting in the County Courthouse, speakers from both sides gave their strong opinions on what should be done about the issue and whether it should even make it to the referendum stage. Although the number of speakers pro and con was fairly even, the audience seemed to be strongly in favor of voting against it making it to the referendum stage. Audience members clapped loudly for those speaking against liquor by the drink and a few held up homemade signs against the measure. Mark Richardson, the pastor of Siler City Pentecostal Holiness Church, warned that if parents drink in moderation at restaurants, their children may do so in excess. "Democracy is rule for the nation, but I charge you [commissioners] as wise men and wise women to guide us in the right direction," he said. "Do not put this on a referendum." Francie Henville-Shannon admitted to drinking in moderation, having a glass of wine with her dinner most nights. She said that she will be happy to accept the prohibition if everyone gets a chance to vote on it. "If our county decides from a ballot that more people don't want to have alcoholic beverages, I would feel fine to drive to Durham County or Orange County or Wake County when I want to go out with my friends," she said. To see more of The Herald-Sun, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.herald-sun.com. Copyright (c) 2009, The Herald-Sun, Durham, N.C. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. |