La Grange to vote on mixed drink referendum

LA GRANGE — On Tuesday, La Grange residents will vote on a referendum that could permit the sale of mixed beverages in the town. 

“We have the ability to serve beer and wine now,” town manager John Craft said. “This referendum would basically enable restaurants and the like to serve mixed beverages.”

The matter originally was brought to the attention of the town board by La Flama, a restaurant with locations in Snow Hill and Farmville. The eatery has considered building an additional establishment in La Grange.

Craft said passing the referendum could impact substantially the economic development of the town, attracting local and chain restaurants as well as hotels.

“I think it would put another tool in the box,” he said. “It would increase the likelihood of one coming here.”

Bobby Wooten and Albert Gray, candidates in this year’s town commissioners race, believe the passage of the referendum could have a positive impact on the town’s marketability; however, both hesitate to fully support the measure.

“Personally, I am opposed to it,” said Wooten, who is mayor pro-tempore. “But I can see where it would be beneficial economically for the town.”

Wooten said alcohol-related problems such as drunk driving and domestic violence are part of the reason for his opposition.

Gray said the mixed drink referendum could be a helpful instrument for the town’s economic prosperity at some point, but he doesn’t think its passage would be appropriate right now.

“I think liquor by the drink isn’t feasible at the moment,” he said. “In the future, it’s going to be a great commodity.”

Craft said he hasn’t received much feedback from the community regarding the referendum. Opinions were mixed on the matter Wednesday afternoon.

Raymond Becton, who has lived in La Grange for more than 15 years, said he plans to vote against the measure.

“People get rowdy when they start drinking,” he said.

Town resident Sara Alder said allowing the sale of mixed drinks would be a great opportunity for the community. 

“If it would bring more restaurants to the area I’m all for it,” she said. “I really don’t think it’s going to hurt anything.”

Craft said it’s uncertain where the chips will fall at this time; he said the only guarantee is that the decision will be made by the community.   

“Ultimately, the voters are the ones that have to decide whether or not mixed beverages will be sold.”

Data from the North Carolina Alcohol Beverage Control Commission Web site indicates that 76 of 100 counties currently prohibit the sale of mixed beverages.  In November 2007, voters in Snow Hill rejected a mixed drink referendum.

Michael Herring, chief administrator for the state ABCC, said that each county has the ability to vote whether or not to allow the sale of mixed beverages. He said once the measure is rejected by the county, each town or municipality can vote individually on the matter.

Sarah Campbell can be reached at 252-559-1076 or scampbell@freedomenc.com.