WALNUT COVE — Residents in two North Carolina towns are raising their glasses to alcohol sales.
On Tuesday, voters in Walnut Cove approved the sale of hard liquor in restaurants, community theaters and convention centers.
For years, the owners of El Cabo Mexican Restaurant have been working to get the alcohol referendum passed.
“Seven or eight years ago it was harder because we didn’t have the support yet,” said El Cabo owner Adriana Jones. “We were a brand new business in town, so it was a little more difficult. We tried to get the word out as much as we could, and we’ve always talked to our customers about the possibility of it.”
In 2007 voters were asked to decide whether or not to allow the sale of mixed drinks within town limits. The measure failed by a vote of 210 to 103.
“I think it’s hard for anybody to want change, especially in a small town,” said Jones.
However, Jones and her husband didn’t give up, and eight years later, it passed.
“This ‘yes’ vote has such an economical value to it that it’s a little overwhelming really to think about what this can do for everybody, and not just us here at El Cabo, but just in general for the town,” said Jones. “Everything is going to grow.”
Town Manager Bobby Miller said he was slightly shocked with the outcome but agrees it will have a booming economic impact.
“We’re trying to capitalize on tourism with those that visit the Dan River or Hanging Rock State Park,” said Miller. “The businesses will benefit from it, and that’s what we look for here.”
Jones said now her restaurant will be able to cater to people all over the state, but not right away. There are quite a few steps restaurants must take before they can sell liquor.
“First, the town has to send it to Danbury, our county seat. They have to process it, and, in turn, they have to relay it to Raleigh,” said Jones. “It has to all be put in the system, and then we personally have to drive to Raleigh. There will be a lot of training happening.”
Jones hopes to have all the proper paperwork and training in place by the end of the year.
On Tuesday, Ramseur voters also approved an alcohol referendum. Malt beverages, unfortified wine, mixed drinks and an ABC store will be allowed within town limits.
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