Business owners respond to Sunday sales vote
Published 2:22 pm Wednesday, March 22, 2017
- Patti Dozier/Times-EnterpriseElection worker Marjorie Jones (right) receives vote results from Bettie Spencer (foreground) and Lori Huddleston at Tuesday night election returns at the Thomas County Judicial Center. Spencer and Huddleston oversaw Sunday sales referendum voting at the Remington precinct.
THOMASVILLE — Restaurant owners are pleased with results of a Tuesday referendum in which the Thomasville electorate voted overwhelmingly for Sunday package alcoholic beverage sales and by the drink.
One liquor store owner said he will not open on Sundays. Another is in a wait-and-see mode.
In a 9 percent voter turnout, the electorate cast 731 yes votes for package sales, with 293 against, for a 71.4 percent favorable vote.
For sale of beverages by the drink, 73.1 percent were in favor, with 746 yes votes and 274 nays.
Gary Patel, owner of Carroll Hill Package Store, said whether he opens his business on Sundays will depend on what his competitors do. Also, Patel said, the community’s input will be considered.
“We do not plan to open on Sunday,” Johnny Maggitas, Big Oaks Wine & Spirits owner/manager, said. “We need a day off.”
Maggitas said his customers already buy an ample supply of alcoholic beverages for Sunday consumption.
Law enforcement officials do not expect to require stricter patrols as a result of the vote.
Capt. Steven Jones, Thomas County Sheriff’s Office public information officer, predicts usual weekend activity no different from Saturdays.
“We’re still going to provide the same service we provide, whether alcohol is served or not,” Thomasville Police Chief Troy Rich said.
Alcohol consumption is an individual choice and a responsibility, the chief added.
Craig Wood, Beef O’Brady’s manager, was the impetus for the referendum. In November 2015, Wood asked Thomasville City Council to consider a referendum.
Wood said people have gone to his East Jackson Street restaurant on Sundays and left when they could not order an alcoholic beverage.
“It will make customers happy,” Wood said. “I don’t expect to be selling a lot of alcohol.”
Amy Martin, SASS! co-owner, said her restaurant — at the depot — has a lot of customers from the surrounding area, including Florida, who want an alcoholic beverage with Sunday meals.
Said Martin, “I think it will increase Sunday business. … I think it will bring more people to downtown Thomasville who want a mimosa with brunch or a glass of wine.”
The alcoholic beverage ordinance goes into effect Monday, May 1.
Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820