Windsor ok’s booze vote
Published Tuesday, December 15, 2009
WINDSOR – The town of Windsor has decided to pursue a Mixed Beverage Referendum.
Thursday morning during the regular meeting of the Windsor Board of Commissioners, that body voted unanimously to hold a special Mixed Beverage Election on March 9, 2010.
The decision comes after a similar referendum throughout Bertie County in November failed by just 12 votes (695-683). The town of Windsor had requested the item be put to county vote because state law requires a countywide referendum before any municipality can hold a mixed beverage vote.
Commissioner Bob Brown pointed out that the November referendum passed in Windsor by a vote of 286-199. He said he felt that was a reason the town should proceed with a vote by town residents.
“Is that only town residents or the entire precinct,” asked Commissioner Collins Cooper.
Brown said he wasn’t sure, but felt the town’s citizens wanted to see the Mixed Beverage election held.
Mayor Pro-Tempore Hoyt Cooper asked what the election would entail and Town Administrator Allen Castelloe said it would be a normal election with One-Stop Voting and then the election on March 9. The cost is approximately $6,000 and the town will bear the cost.
The referendum said the town has received requests from citizens and businesses to pursue the referendum.
“A number of citizens and businesses of the Town of Windsor requested that the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Windsor seek a special election for the sale of mixed beverages within the Town of Windsor. The sale of mixed beverages is permitted in the neighboring communities of Williamston, Edenton, Ahoskie and Plymouth, located in counties adjoining Winsor,” the resolution reads.
“The sale of mixed beverages in these communities is believed to be a drain of customer business from existing local restaurants in Windsor and to adversely affect the recruitment of new business to the Town of Windsor,” it adds.
The resolution also says that the town believes the issue to be important enough to hold a special election.
“It is believed by those requesting the Town to conduct a mixed beverage election that it is imperative to conduct a special election earlier than the regularly scheduled election on May 4, 2010, for fear of the Town losing its competitive edge in the recruitment or expansion of businesses in the town of Windsor during difficult economic times,” the resolution reads.
The election itself will consist of a simple yes or no vote to the allowing the sale of mixed beverages in hotels, restaurants, private clubs, community theaters and convention centers.
C. Cooper made the motion to adopt the resolution with Brown offering a second. It passed without objection.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?
Comments
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)