The Lumberton City Council, Monday night, unanimously approved to put the issue of selling alcohol in the city on the November ballot.
The Keep Dollars in Lumberton Group wants the sale of alcohol to be allowed in Lumberton restaurants, convenience and grocery stores.
The group gained enough signatures on their petition to get the issue put on the November ballot.
This isn't the first time Lumberton has voted to allow alcohol sales. Since 2009, the issue has come up within the county twice and been retracted. However, this is the first time the city has taken up the issue.
Alcohol sales is promising to some restaurant owners like Cliff Hilton.
"It makes Lumberton restaurants a lot more competitive. You don't have to go to Beaumont to enjoy yourself if you're looking for a place to relax and get a beer with your meal," said Hilton.
The Keep Dollars in Lumberton Group gained 1,252 signatures saying they want alcohol sales in the city. Since they have more than the required 1,092 signatures, or 35 percent of voters, the Mayor says the city council must vote to put the issue on the ballot.
"It's not like it's not already here," said Chamber of Commerce President and City Councilman Andy Kelley.
Kelley says Lumberton operates only on sales tax and franchise fees because they don't have a property tax. Supporters say alcohol sales can boost the city's $3.5 million budget by more than $300,000 a year.
"we've been very conscientious and cautious with the money we've spent," said Kelley. "But as we continue to grow, and we will surely continue to grow, then having added sales tax to go with this will benefit the whole city."
Meanwhile, voters like Linda Bridges say that's not worth it.
"I don't want it readily available to underage drinkers. They get it easily enough, and I don't want to put it in their lap," said Bridges.
An ordinance adopted in 2009 regulates selling alcohol near places like schools and churches.
While Hilton doesn't know if selling it at his shop fits, he thinks the city is selling itself short.
"Collect the taxes here, guys."
Many people in Lumberton fear allowing the sale of alcohol will bring bars to the area, but Kelley says the ordinance passed in 2009 limits the sale to stores and restaurants only.
Since city council's decision Monday, it is now up to voters to decide if stores will be able to sell alcohol.
