ELIZABETHTON — A referendum to permit liquor stores inside the Elizabethton city limits was approved by the voters on Tuesday night by a vote of 1,428 to 1,201.
The referendum was placed on the ballot through the work of businessman Billy Chappell. He said he wanted to give the voters the opportunity to decide whether to continue to allow tax revenue from Carter County to continue going to Johnson City.
“There is a reason there are two big package stores next to each other in Johnson City on South Roan Street,” Chappell said. “It’s to get the tax money from all those people driving over from Elizabethton to buy wine and liquor. Johnson City not only gets its share of the 9.75 percent sales tax, it gets to keep all of the additional 5 percent alcohol tax.
“That money going to Johnson City can be used by Elizabethton to fund special projects. It can help us keep the property taxes lower.”
Unlike previous referendums involving the sale of alcohol in the city, this year’s referendum was quiet, with little public debate over the matter. There were a few yard signs promoting a yes vote on the referendum but hardly any signs against it.
Tim Gouge, pastor of Roan Street Free Will Baptist Church in Elizabethton, was one who did speak out against package stores. He disputed the financial benefit that liquor stores will bring the city.
“I see the damage that alcohol brings, I deal with it on a day-to day-basis,” Gouge said. “The commercials always show the glamor, but they don’t show the broken lives and broken homes.”
The Elizabethton City Planning Commission already has prepared for the coming of liquor stores. Two months ago, it designated a change in the zoning law to allow liquor stores only in the arterial business districts. Now that the referendum has passed, the zoning change will now go before the City Council for approval.
peters46 writes:
November 7, 2012
8:37 AM
Whats next a Medical Marijuana store?
preacherbiggs writes:
November 7, 2012
8:41 AM
I am amazed at this election result! I find it even more amazing that only 1201 votes were cast in opposition allowing package stores in our town. I know that there are more than 1201 God fearing, Bible believing children of God in our town. Where were you guys the other night? We have enough problems in our town without adding to it. I would rather pay more in property taxes than to have to pay for the clean up after wrecks, the court cost, the jail time but especially the broken lives, broken families and the killing of innocent people involved in drunk driving accidents that are associated with this. It does not matter if you have package stores in Elizabethton or not. It has been proven time and time again that they will go wherever they have to and get what they want. May God wake all of us up to what is taking place in our city and our country.
Djackson writes:
November 7, 2012
9:41 AM
Good Idea Peters 46......A store to provide God's creation to one and all.
OffTheChain13 writes:
November 7, 2012
10:33 AM
A medical marijuana store would be excellent. At least it would be better than what Elizabethton is famous for. Meth
DrPat writes:
November 7, 2012
1:12 PM
"God fearing, Bible believing children of God"
I am both and support choice in alcohol consumption.
tiredoldgal writes:
November 8, 2012
5:25 AM
Preacher, you stated the reason why it should be legal. People who want to buy liquor will buy it even if they have to drive to Johnson City. In case you haven't noticed we already have all the problems and issues you mentioned. By the way, beer is an alcoholic beverage yet it has been sold in Elizabethton for many years yet there has not been a drive to get rid of it.
Personally I am glad it passed. I don't drink but I hate the tax dollars going elsewhere. I don't have any religious reasons for not drinking but I do have a problem with someone else deciding what is right for me.
provided.