Courting Drinkers
I was slightly perplexed by the results of the Yadkin County vote, reported in the Sept. 10 Journal. Voters there rejected proposals to allow mixed beverage sales, beer sales and liquor stores.
The perplexing part is that Yadkinville—which in case you don’t know is in Yadkin County—had previously voted to allow liquor stores and beer and mixed-beverage sales. Also, the entire county had previously voted to allow wine sales, a vote of support to area wineries.
Now, I know these referendums got on the ballot because supporters want the economic development that comes from chain restaurants, etc. when they can get full ABC permits and basically have the freedom to run their business the way they see fit.
I understand that, and I don’t disagree with it.
The weird part is that anybody interested in economic development—or getting a drink—simply can flock to Yadkinville (or to nearby Elkin, in Surry County).
It’s seems either admirable or silly for towns like Jonesville to resist alcohol sales when the alcohol can be had just a few miles away. What am I missing here?
