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Board spars over 7-day alcohol sales |
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Wednesday, 22 July 2009 |
By KELLY DANIELS
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The issue of alcohol being sold seven days a week will take over discussions at City Hall next month for both of its Board of Aldermen meetings.
The Board of Aldermen voted 4 to 3 to host a public hearings on the issue on Aug. 4 and Aug. 18.
Ward 1 Alderman Ben Carver, Ward 6 Alderman Roy A. Perkins and Ward 7 Aldermen Henry Vaughn voted against holding the hearings.
Ward 5 Alderman Jeremiah Dumas, who made the motion, said it was time the city address the issue and move forward.
“We’re the only city in the Golden Triangle that doesn’t have seven-day sales,” he said.
Ward 1 Alderman Ben Carver, however, immediately recommended that the board postpone discussion of the issue until six months into the term.
“I just think this could be a very divisive issue,” he said, adding that the comparison of Starkville to other cities in the Golden Triangle was not a fair judgment.
Vaughn supported his “no” vote by saying that he was elected to serve the city of Starkville.
“We got to keep in mind on why we are here,” he said. “I disagree with it. That’s why I’m going to vote against it.”
Perkins argued that Sunday was the Sabbath and needed to be kept holy.
“In this city, we have six days for the sell of alcohol,” he said. “But Sunday is the Lord’s day. It is the Sabbath.”
Perkins also referenced the high number of DUI arrests in Starkville, compared to other cities.
“Chief (David) Lindley is charged with a large responsibility of having to deal with crime,” he said, referencing recent accidents and crimes. “This will just put is one step closer to selling whiskey on Sunday.”
Vice Mayor and Ward 2 Alderwoman Sandra Sistrunk gave a rebuttal addressing everything Perkins’ statement, except for the religious argument.
“I don’t think the number of DUIs indicate we drink more in Starkville,” she said, explaining that other municipalities are not as stringent on drunk driving as is Starkville.
Sistrunk said she had the opportunity to speak to officials of Flowood, which has seven-day sales, while at the Mississippi Municipal League conference last week.
She reported that developments who implement seven day sales early in development have an easier time.
“Dillard’s did not come to Flowood; it’s in north Jackson,” said Sistrunk, explaining that businesses such as Dillard’s target clientele that values seven-day sales.
Dumas chimed in, saying that the public hearing needs to happen so the board could at least hear what the public has to say.
“I think it’s completely unfair to assume a blanketed increase in crime,” he said, responding to Perkins’ comments about crime.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 23 July 2009 )
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