Alcohol Sales On The Ballot

The early voting date for the Wills Point city elections will begin a historical decision for citizens. For the first time, Wills Point will decide whether or not to allow the sale of beer and wine for off-premises consumption.

Predictably, clear lines have been drawn in the community, with local pastors leading the charge against the measure on one side, and those who see needed tax revenues on the other.

Proponents for the measure have cited research by the Perryman Group for the state of Texas that show significant sales tax revenue in areas where alcohol sales are allowed.

A statement from Brookshire’s spokesman Sam Anderson backed up the research, at least to an extent.

Anderson said that in Brookshires’ locations where wet/dry elections have passed the measure, those stores have had an increase of five-seven percent. All of that is not attributed exclusively to alcohol, as customers purchasing beer and wine also purchase other items.

In economically challenging times, and in a city that needs revenue increases to meet the demands of aging infrastructure, supporters for passing the measure lament sales tax revenues being spent in other communities, such as Terrell and West Tawakoni.

Opponents, citing promises made regarding the lottery, not only doubt whether the revenues will materialize, but fear an increased cost for law enforcement.

There is an additional cost, according to the pastors who have spoken on record.

They oppose the measure on moral grounds, and fear ready access to alcohol will cause damage to families.

Opponents also express the belief that Wills Point’s family atmosphere is its’ greatest drawing card, and the sale of beer and wine will damage that. Many also fear what they believe are unsightly businesses, such as beer barns popping up on Highway 80.

Whether the measure passes or not, Wills Point residents will face the next challenge: regrouping as a community to make the best of what the election has given them.