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Citizens speak out on proposed city alcohol law changes |
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Wednesday, 05 August 2009 |
 Kelly Danels/SDN; A standing-room-only crowd of residents both supporting and opposing Sunday alcohol sales gathered for the public hearing on the issue before the Board of Aldermen. By KELLY DANIELS
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Leave it to a discussion on alcoholic beverage laws to pack a City Hall meeting beyond the doors.
During the most crowded hearing since the last debate on seven-day-a-week alcohol sales, citizens addressed Mayor Parker Wiseman and the Board of Aldermen in support and against proposed amendments to the city’s alcohol ordinance, particularly the one including Sunday as another day on which the sale of alcohol would be permitted.
Other drafted amendments include:
• Extending the sale of alcohol to 2 a.m. on Monday through Saturday.
• Shortening the distance requirement between alcohol sales and schools and churches to 100 feet to align with requirements from the Mississippi Alcoholic Beverage Control.
• Allowing open containers of alcohol on public property during special events.
Wiseman allowed opponents and proponents to alternate with each appearance.
Richard Mullenax said that until Tuesday morning when he found out that consideration to extend the hours of sale was being discussed, he had a neutral feeling about the issue.
“I don’t care whether you have alcohol sales on Sunday or not,” he said. “That’s dirty poo in my opinion. I want us to be open and honest about this issue up front.”
Opposing the proposal
Those against the proposed alcohol law changes cited issues of public safety, family well-being and the observance of Sunday as a religious day in their arguments.
Cecil Williams began the argument on public safety issue
“We have too much drinking, an added DUI program, the law enforcement has increased,” he said. “We have young people coming all over Starkville. We’re supposed to help them, not hurt them.”
Jim Mills, a Justice Court judge and former Ward 2 alderman, said that most of the people in his ward were against “Sunday alcohol.” Making his case for public safety, Mills referenced recent car crash fatalities.
Dorothy Isaac also spoke against the ordinance, arguing for the safety and well-being of children and families.
“It’s not because of religious reasons, but it is because it is wrong. It is morally wrong to support something that will be coming into our city,” she said, facing the public. “We have children here on Sundays that go to restaurants. I don’t want my child leaning over and seeing liquor just all everywhere. You have a choice to do what you want to do, but I have a choice to do what I want to do.”
Jason Middleton, pastor of Meadowview Baptist Church, unapologetically stated his opinion that there should be no alcohol sales at all.
“I’m speaking as a concerned citizen,” he said. “I disagree with alcohol sales on Sunday and at all period.”
Bringing with her a lengthy written essay, Carolyn Reed discussed what she called two different entertainment models for the city.
“The first model expands the possible purchasing hours for beer and light wine, and it allows a person to possess and consume open containers of beer and light wine on public property within specific boundaries during special events,” Reed said.
Reed said this amendment suggests that drinking is an expected part of the fun.
“Proponents say that this will make us appear more progressive, implying that consuming alcohol while dining is a sophisticated form of adult, evening entertainment,” she said. “It will also provide the necessary means that Mississippi State personnel feel is needed in order to entertain out-of-town guests. This model says that drinking alcohol is primary source of social interaction and entertainment.”
Additionally, Reed said the idea that Sunday is no different from the other six days of the week implies abstinence from any deference to religious observance.
Also against seven-day sales was Al Turner, who feared a rise in the number of gang rapes and other crimes.
“I know that Jack, Hennessy and Crown will make you do that,” he said.
Scott Reed said that during his high school days, he was of the minority because he didn’t drink.
“I thought it was kind of strange that the only way to have fun was to go to the five or six bars that existed,” he said.
“That does not sound progressive to me. If Starkville wants to attract people, let’s be a progressive city. Let’s come up with some ways that we can entertain people, that we can cater to people’s hobbies and likes in a different way than drinking.”
Supporting the change
Those supporting the proposed alcohol law changes largely argued for freedom of choice.
Allison Noffsinger responded to an argument made two weeks ago by Ward 6 Alderman Roy Á. Perkins.
The argument, she said, was that citizens had six days to buy whiskey, but Sunday was the Lord’s day.
“I found it slightly disrespectful to everyone else who doesn’t necessarily believe that,” she said. “I think everybody has the right to go church whenever they want to go to church. I don’t think the argument should be based on religion. I think everyone should have their own opinion about religion and what they do on their Sunday.”
Discussing what he calls “misnomers” that distort the discussion, Robbie Ward first addressed public safety argument against seven-day sales.
“As far as I know, we want the police to enforce public safety in Starkville Monday through Saturday, and I don’t see where that changes on Sunday.”
Ward then addressed the idea of Sunday being sacred as the Lord’s day.
“If we’re talking about keeping Sunday sacred, let’s reflect for a second and think about why it’s not so sacred Monday through Saturday,” he said. “Speaking of sacred, let’s talk about self-righteousness. I think it’s a little self-righteous, perhaps a little arrogant, to suggest that government control in this city somehow makes Starkville more Christian or righteous than Grenada, Hattiesburg, Meridian, Flowood or any number of cities throughout this nation.”
During this phase of Ward’s argument, Ward 7 Alderman Henry Vaughn, an opponent of seven-day sales, left the room.
“Some people will tell you this discussion is about supporting business, tourism, religion and public safety. I think it’s about personal responsibility, freedom and quality of life for the people who live in this city,” Ward said.
Declaring he was not religious, Harry Freeman said that the city needs to project the image of a progressive and inclusive community.
“I’m sure I share some common ground with all of you that I want to live in a safe and loving place,” Freeman said.
“We need to respect each other more, and when you allow one contingent of the population to so completely dominate something like this over a moral issue, I think we’re running a little short of self-respect.”
Mark Duncan, a former alderman candidate, approached the podium to say simply, “I am for Sunday sales.”
Ryan Trader, explaining that he is not a proponent of alcohol abuse, said that he did not think statistics showing crime increases as a result of seven-day sales existed.
“Extending alcohol sales to the public — allowing us the decision whether we want to purchase alcohol — I think that’s my civil liberty living in this town,” he said.
Milo Burnham said that he was in support of Sunday Sales but not changing the distance requirement from alcohol purchases to churches and schools.
Behind the board table
Ward 1 Alderman Ben Carver, who again stated his disagreement with seven-day sales, said that he would have liked to have been included in the additional proposed changes to the alcohol ordinance.
“The first time I heard about this was a couple of days ago,” he said.
Ward 7 Alderman Henry Vaughn said that all he heard from the proponents of seven-day sales was “money.”
“Is revenue that important to y’all, or is it families?” Vaughn said.
Vaughn received an “amen” from the audience.
The board will host its second public hearing about alcohol laws during the next meeting on August 18 at 5:30 p.m.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 06 August 2009 )
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