Liquor by the drink
Murphy Council says "yes" to citizen vote
By Lizz Harold Staff Writer

The Murphy City Council approved a town vote that could mean locals may soon be able enjoy alcoholic beverages without brown bagging.

According to Mayor Bill Hughes, citizens will soon be presented with an opportunity to vote on the on and off premises sale of liquor by the drink and beer within the city limits of Murphy.

"I feel citizens should have the ability to make the decision," said David Hilton, a council member who also made the first motion to approve a city-wide vote on the issue. The motion passed and it was approved with no opposition on the council.

Mayor Hughes said that in collaboration with City Manager Ana Payne and City Attorney David Cowan, the vote will go out to the public at the earliest possible date.

If the vote passes, only certain restaurants with a Class A classification will be permitted to sell mixed drinks and beer. Under the state requirements, the establishments must seat at least 36 customers and must receive less than half of their total revenue from the serving of alcohol. The second proposition for public consideration is the sale of beer at places like Wal-mart, Bi-Lo, or other area grocers within city limits.

In 2003, the council approved the same public vote and the support for packaged beer sales lost by 25 votes while the sale of liquor by the drink lost by 40.

Within 60-90 days, the residents of Murphy will again be presented with the ballot to approve or oppose the two propositions.

Bill Forsyth, Chairman of the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board, said he thinks the vote will pass due to public interest.