By Scott Harvey
Emory – Another area city is seeking to legalize the sale of beer and wine in the May elections. The Rains County Commissioners Court last week ordered a local option election for alcohol sales in Emory.
Last month, two petitions were submitted by Emory Citizens for Economic Growth. The first calls for an election to legalize the sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption only. The other calls for an election to legalize the sale of mixed beverages in restaurants. If that petition passes, mixed beverages will be sold in establishments that have proper licensing.
Early voting for the May 9 election runs from April 27 through May 1.
In Paris, voters in May will decide whether to allow the sale of beer and wine in local stores for off premise consumption, as well as approve or disapprove of the legal sale of mixed beverages in restaurants by food and beverage certificate holders only.
In Reno, voters will decide on the sale of all alcoholic beverages for off premise consumption.
Last November, voters in the City of Greenville said yes to two propositions, approving the sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption, as well as an end to the need to join a private club in order to purchase alcohol at local restaurants.