Sylva voters to decide on liquor by the drink

By Lynn Hotaling

The vote to place the issue on the Nov. 6 ballot came after a request from Jennifer Green, manager of O'Malley's.

"I'd like to request that liquor by the drink go on the ballot," Green said.

Mayor Brenda Oliver told board members that they had two options with regard to sales of mixed drinks in the city limits. Town officials can either request the issue be placed on the ballot during the Tuesday, Nov. 6, municipal election or circulate a petition and schedule a special election if 35 percent of the voters want a referendum.

"A general election would be cheaper," said former downtown restaurant owner Karen Martar, a member of Sylva's planning board.

"If Sylva passes liquor by the drink, we'll get a Ruby Tuesday's or one of the better places," said local restaurant owner Lee Ewart.

"I think since this is an issue with strong feelings for or against, and since we've had a request, it should be put on the ballot for the voters to decide. There's already an election, so it won't cost any money," said town board member Lynda Sossamon.

Sylva voters rejected liquor by the drink in 1994. The vote was 163-91.

Back to Archive: 09/13/01.