East Texas

By ADAM RUSSELL
Staff Writer

Final but unofficial results in four local option alcohol elections in Smith County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 and the city of Winona indicate those jurisdictions have voted against legalizing the sale of alcohol for off-premise consumption while allowing sales of mixed drinks in restaurants.

In J.P. Precinct 4, with 2,772 votes recorded, 52.71 percent or 1,461 votes are “against” permitting legalizing the sale of alcohol for off premise consumption while 1,311 votes or 47.29 voted for legalization. Proposition 2 concerning sales of mixed beverages in restaurants passed with 50.76 percent or 1,400 votes for, compared to 49.24 percent or 1,358 votes against the beverage proposal.

In Winona, final numbers show a tie for legalization of all alcohol for off premise consumption – 94 votes for and 94 votes against. State law says a tie means the proposition fails.

On Proposition 2 (sales of mixed beverages in restaurants), Winona voters narrowly approved the measure, 97 votes or 51.87 percent to 90 votes or 48.13 percent.

Smith County Citizens for Economic Growth, the political action committee, hired Texas Petition Strategies, an Austin based campaign consulting firm, submitted two local option petitions to the Smith County Elections Office to legalize "beer and wine sales for off-premise consumption" and "the legal sale of mixed beverages in restaurants by food and beverage certificate holders only" within J.P. Precinct 4. Petitions to legalize the sale of all alcohol, including beer, wine and spirits, for off-premise consumption and “the legal sale of mixed beverages in restaurants by food and beverage certificate holders only” within the city limits of Winona were also filed.

Off-premise consumption would effectively allow a company to sell beer and wine to individuals to take home. Sales of mixed beverages in restaurants by food and beverage certificate holders would allow people to purchase alcohol in certified eating or drinking establishments without gaining membership before consumption.

An opposition group, the Keep Precinct 4 Dry political action committee, was formed by committee treasurer Anwar Khalifa, a local home builder and board member of East Texas Islamic Society and Winona First Baptist Church Pastor Tony Watson. The group is concerned that allowing alcohol sales within its community will have a negative impact on the standards of living and public safety.

Watson said proponents of alcohol sales suggest tax revenues and job creation will follow, but that those seemingly positive effects will not be worth community costs.

John Hatch, Texas Petition Strategies consultant for Smith County Citizens For Economic Growth, said county residents are already paying the societal costs, but are not benefiting from alcohol consumed in their communities.

Tyler claims center plans to create 300 jobs   05/25/12
Large Fight Near Lee HS Results In Bloodied Teen   05/25/12
Gorman Graduate Always Dives In   05/25/12
Tyler Police Capture 3 After Morning Break-In   05/25/12
Lon Morris College Woes Throw Students, Community Off Course   05/25/12
Deanna Laney Released From State Hospital   05/25/12
UPDATE: D.A.'s Office Rests Its Case   05/25/12
TJC Reaching Out To Displaced Lon Morris Students   05/26/12
Tyler Saying Goodbye To Retiring Chief Financial Officer   05/25/12
Teens Arrested Stealing Security Vehicle, Leading Police In Chase   05/25/12
UPDATE: Conditions At Women's Death Row Prison Referenced   05/24/12
Photos: East Texas Christian Academy Kindergarten Graduation   05/24/12
UPDATE: Cargill's Mom Gives Emotional Testimony   05/21/12
Area Employment Rate Up To 93.7 Percent For April   05/19/12
Photos: Rains County Kids' Fishin' and Fair   05/25/12
UPDATE: Cargill's Ex-Husband Says Her Temper Discouraged Him From Keeping Gun   05/22/12
‘Dr. Mom’ Huggins Named Professor Emeritus Friday   05/19/12
Centene Brings 300 Jobs To Tyler   05/26/12
Three Men Charged With Burglary   05/26/12
Old Fiddlers Reunion Keeps Them Coming Back For More   05/26/12