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Town plans hearing to discuss liquor ordinances |
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Thursday, 03 April 2008 |
by LAUREN LAWSON
News Reporter
The Town of Boone has organized a hearing for local residents, students and other parties to voice their opinion on an ordinance first addressed 13 years ago pertaining to liquor by the drink in Boone.
“The council voted to hear people and see what they have to say before we vote further to place [liquor
by the drink] on a ballot,” Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson said.
Clawson said the hearing will take place April 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the County Administration Building in
downtown Boone.
 Boone Saloon fills quickly during its weekly Taco Tuesday. If new legislation passes, liquor might be available to patrons. Photo by Holt Menzies
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“From comments I have heard and have been given, my feeling is that currently it is 3-to-1 in favor of liquor by the drink,” Clawson said.
She said this is after receiving comments and e-mails from students, as well as speaking to restaurant
owners and locals.
Macado’s general manager Justin Grogan said he feels as if the ordinance can be both positive and
negative for the Town of Boone.
“Sales at [Macado’s] just off of beer beats out other stores with alcohol,” Grogan said.
He said it would be a good change but there would be more things to worry about.
“People may get crazier, but at least people won’t be driving back from Blowing Rock,” Grogan said.
Macado’s in Boone is the only branch of the restaurant that does not offer a full bar.
“I think it would be a good thing because our restaurant is already outfitted with a bar set up to serve
liquor drinks and it will bring more people into Boone restaurants instead of going out of town,” he said.
However, not all restaurants and bars would necessarily offer liquor drinks if the referendum is passed.
“The way our business is set up and our bar is set up we would need a lot of renovations to
accommodate liquor, so I don’t think we would offer it,” said Allie Woods, owner of Klondike Bar.
Woods said, more than likely, corporate restaurants such as Applebee’s and Ruby Tuesday would
benefit more from the bill than local bars and restaurants.
“Liquor and beer create completely different atmospheres. Liquor can change the atmosphere around
town, and whether that’s good or bad, I don’t know,” he said.
Clawson said the council would vote after the hearing. If a majority vote in favor, the referendum would
be put into a special election in September, not on the May primary ballot.
“When this came up 13 years ago there was a major outpouring and an organized group against it. So
far I have not seen or heard of that this time,” she said.
Clawson said she believes this is because it is a different time and Boone is now surrounded by areas
such as West Jefferson, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock that have approved liquor by the drink.
“Right now we don’t need to form an opinion until we talk to the people and hear what they have to
say,” she said.
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