The petitions circulating in the City of Quitman to legalize the sale of alcohol has sparked many debates regarding the pros and cons of legalized alcohol; however, city officials believe putting it on the ballot was a better conclusion than the contentious battle each year.
Some of the local merchants have wanted the city to go wet for years because of the increase in sales. “I fought this issue killing it for the last three years, but it has become an economic issue to our restaurants, convenience and grocery stores,” Mayor Fulton said. “The Board wanted to allow citizens to sign a petition and get it on the ballot. We want to move the city forward and felt it would be appropriate to let the citizens decide.”
Efforts began last month to petition citizens in hopes to legalize the sale of alcohol within city limits. Quitman Mayor Eddie Fulton stated it would be an economic boom for the stores plus it would be huge for the two state parks that draw thousands annually to the city.
According to Mayor Fulton, the average increase in sales tax from legalizing alcohol is 11 to 16% in revenue. Sales tax last fiscal year was $570,000. An 11% increase would generate $62,700 more in sales tax and $4,841,699 in sales. A 16% increase would generate $91,200 in sales tax and $7,042,471.00 in sales.
If the petition is successful and citizens vote to legalize alcohol, the City of Quitman plans to enact ordinances that enable them to control the sale of alcohol.
Some of the examples of what the board of aldermen could enact would be ordinances that decided locations that beer and wine could be sold in proximity to a school or church; the consumption of alcohol in a public area and limit the times that alcohol can be sold.
“Each week someone comes to me wanting to be able to open a liquor store, bar, or pool hall when the city goes wet. Each time I tell them that even if the citizens vote to have Quitman become wet, the Board and I have the final say as to how it will be implemented, and it is not favorable to liquor stores, pool halls, or bars. Cities have voted to become wet without the incumbent loss of qualities most of us want in our community,” Mayor Fulton said.
So far, less than 200 signatures have been certified on two petitions. 84 of those signatures have been certified for the sale of beer and light wine and 77 signatures for the sale of liquor. 20% of the 1717 certified, registered voters are needed in order for the referendum to even get on the ballot.
If enough signatures fail to get on the petition, the issue can be brought up each year. Once the issue gets on the actual ballot and is voted against, then the issue can’t be brought up again for five years.
