DEMOREST - The Demorest City Council has been asked to consider allowing sale of distilled spirits by the drink.
"We've had at least one business that has asked us to consider the pouring of distilled spirits by the drink," said Mayor Rick Austin. "That would be Sweet Breads, the new restaurant that is coming to downtown Demorest."
At its work session Tuesday night, the council discussed whether to place the issue on a referendum ballot on Nov. 3.
"That is a matter that must be voted on by the people, and so the conversation tonight was do we put this on the ballot in November and let the people choose," Austin said. "I think the resounding answer to that is that the people should choose, and we encourage people that have an opinion on that matter to please show up next week and express that."
Austin stressed the council wants to hear Demorest residents' opinions about whether the public should vote on the issue, not their views on liquor.
"It's always good when the people have an opportunity to make their voice heard in a ballot box, and that's what ultimately will happen with this particular item," Austin said. "Do the residents of Demorest want to have Sweet Breads or any other type of restaurant that might want to come in the city limits to be able to pour distilled spirits?"
The Demorest City Council will discuss the matter at its meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Demorest Municipal Building on Ivy Street. Austin encourages any city resident with an opinion about placing the issue on a referendum ballot to attend.
