Calhoun County votes to ok

selling alcohol by the drink

by Teresa Eubanks, CLJNews.com

The winners in the May 16 local option election may just want to celebrate with a cold one after securing the right for businesses in Calhoun County to sell beer, wine and liquor by the drink.

The mail-in special election drew just over 27% of the county’s eligible voters, with 1,509 people saying yes to the referendum and 715 voting against it. 

To pass, the proposal needed a yes from 50% of the ballots plus one.  It exceeded that baseline by an extra 793 votes.

The Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce led the effort to hold the special election, which was promoted by the Forward Calhoun group whose members saw this as an opportunity to boost economic development.

According to the Chamber, “ A significant challenge for Calhoun County is the lack of upscale and/or national chain restaurants, suitable lodging, cultural and entertainment options, which can be discouraging to diversified industries who consider locating here. Changing restrictions could bring these amenities, facilities and services to Calhoun County to help to attract new business.”

Forward Calhoun noted that alcohol by the drink is available in 95 percent of the state.  They pointed out that passage of the initiative would help increase sales at local restaurants, offer other new business opportunities, boost tourism and increase tax revenues.