Liquor issue passes in Pilot, fails in Dobson
It was a tale of two cities Tuesday when voters in Dobson defeated a proposal to allow mixed drinks, while Pilot Mountain citizens approved separate referendums for both liquor by the drink and an ABC store. The liquor-by-the-drink measure failed in Dobson by just 22 votes, 190 to 168, according to the Surry County Board of Elections. That represents a percentage of 53 to 47 percent.
But just across the county in Pilot Mountain, a different outcome occurred, with town residents approving mixed-drink sales by a vote count of 241 to 192, or 55.7 percent to 44.3 percent. The idea of having an ABC store in Pilot Mountain also passed by a similar margin, 234 to 202 votes, or 53.7 percent to 46.3 percent.
The issues in both Surry municipalities had pitted local churches, concerned about the potential harm from expanded alcohol sales, against those supporting them as a way to stimulate economic development through attracting more restaurants.
...Pilot Mountain's mayor said Tuesday night that he was “pleased” with Tuesday's alcohol votes in that town, since it will give the municipality a much-needed financial boost. “We (supporters) had said all along it's an economic tool,” said Mayor Earl Sheppard. “I am very pleased that it passed.”
Sheppard said the liquor sales will have a positive impact on town property taxes and utility rates. He pointed out that despite vigorous opposition from anti-alcohol forces, local grocery stores and similar establishments have already been selling beer and wine for years. “It's not a new entity,” he added of the alcohol sales, “but it's an entity the municipality can make money on.”
The Pilot Mountain mayor pointed to the success Mount Airy has had due to a similar referendum passing five years ago. Sheppard applauded the ability of voters to always “sort through things and see what's needed.” — Tom Joyce, Staff Reporter, Mount Airy News
But just across the county in Pilot Mountain, a different outcome occurred, with town residents approving mixed-drink sales by a vote count of 241 to 192, or 55.7 percent to 44.3 percent. The idea of having an ABC store in Pilot Mountain also passed by a similar margin, 234 to 202 votes, or 53.7 percent to 46.3 percent.
The issues in both Surry municipalities had pitted local churches, concerned about the potential harm from expanded alcohol sales, against those supporting them as a way to stimulate economic development through attracting more restaurants.
...Pilot Mountain's mayor said Tuesday night that he was “pleased” with Tuesday's alcohol votes in that town, since it will give the municipality a much-needed financial boost. “We (supporters) had said all along it's an economic tool,” said Mayor Earl Sheppard. “I am very pleased that it passed.”
Sheppard said the liquor sales will have a positive impact on town property taxes and utility rates. He pointed out that despite vigorous opposition from anti-alcohol forces, local grocery stores and similar establishments have already been selling beer and wine for years. “It's not a new entity,” he added of the alcohol sales, “but it's an entity the municipality can make money on.”
The Pilot Mountain mayor pointed to the success Mount Airy has had due to a similar referendum passing five years ago. Sheppard applauded the ability of voters to always “sort through things and see what's needed.” — Tom Joyce, Staff Reporter, Mount Airy News
posted by Strother | 7:14 AM
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