Alcohol: Citizens voice opinions
By Bobbi Pippin
Alcohol sales were favored two-to-one in straw polls among citizens who packed Morganton City Hall Thursday, April 4.
Morganton City Council members held the meeting as they consider a draft ordinance to allow the sale of beer and wine by both package and by-the-drink.
Mayor Nelson Dean told the crowd the discussion over alcohol sales will continue and invited citizens to come to future council meetings.
The building was standing room only when Dean called for a show of hands for those for and opposed to the sales, counting separate votes for citizens living inside and outside the city limits. Living inside Morganton there were 16 for sales and 7 opposed. For those who live outside of the city limits, there were 20 in favor and 11 opposed.
The show of hands was followed with Dean offering everyone present a chance to voice their thoughts, going around the room and asking for comments.
One man raised concern, asking the mayor if the voices of those outside of the city limits were going to be heard. Dean told him that if he did not feel heard, he was welcome to leave.
There were several different opinions both for and against the sale of alcohol.
Some opinions in favor involved conversations about growth and revenue as well as the distance to Blue Ridge.
One woman stated she simply wants to enjoy a nice glass of wine with her dinner at a restaurant without having to drive to Blue Ridge.
Another person warned that drivers go through two different school zones to get to Blue Ridge and back.
One man urged growth since everything is growing around Morganton. He stated, “You’re either going to have to grow or shut your doors.”
Dean said that the money gained from alcohol taxes would be put into the general fund for the city.
Some people had very strong opinions against the sale of alcohol. Some concerns brought up included bringing drunk drivers to Morganton, bringing sin into the city, and the lack of law enforcement in Morganton.
Some told stories about how their lives were affected by drunk drivers. Others told their opinions on alcohol in general.
One woman mentioned how Morganton does not have a police station, there are not many county officers who patrol Morganton very often, and alcohol could add danger to the area.
Some attendees felt concerned about whether or not anyone’s opinions will matter if the council has the final vote. Dean stated that it is the council’s choice. He also stated that there is a possibility for a public vote.
By the end of the meeting, there were lots of side conversations amongst concerned attendees Dean told everyone that this will be discussed more in future meetings and everyone is welcome to attend.
Morganton City Council meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month at 4:15 p.m.