Voters to decide on alcohol sales tomorrow

BOONEVILLE — Voters in Booneville, which bills itself as the City of Hospitality, will decide tomorrow whether to welcome sales of beer and light wine.

The proposed ordinance defines light wine as less than 5 percent alcohol — about the usual amount for beer and for wine coolers.

Gary Walker’s group “Citizens for New Business and Growth” launched a petition drive four months ago for the referendum. He tells the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal that everyone will be able to vote the way their hearts feel.

Brother Lee Dillard, pastor of Tuscumbia Baptist Church and spokesman for Citizens Against Alcohol Sales in Booneville, says alcohol is morally wrong and fosters crime and other problems.

The town’s last vote on alcohol was 27 years ago.