The sale of liquor has been a contentious issue in Simpson County for some time.
During the recent Merchant Forum held in Mendenhall, business owner Nick Floyd asked the crowd what the city can do different to generate traffic and attract new business. Someone broached the idea of selling liquor.
Some say this has been a contributing factor to the city’s lack of growth. Mayor Todd Booth revealed that an attempt to establish liquor sales by a business owner was unsuccessful two years ago. He also said that businesses such as Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Buffalo Wild Wings have all shown interest in Mendenhall until hearing the liquor laws.
According to Mississippi Code 67-1-14, “any municipality in this state having a population of not less than 5,000 according to the latest federal census and which is located in a county which has voted against coming out from under the dry law, or any municipality that is a county seat and which is located in a county which has voted against coming out from under the dry law, may, at an election held for the purpose under the election laws applicable to such municipality, either prohibit or permit the sale of alcoholic beverages.”
Mendenhall does not meet the 5,000 population requirement but is authorized to hold an election due to being the county seat. To initiate the election process a petition containing the names of at least 20 percent of the duly qualified voters in favor of an election must be presented. According to Censusviewer.com Mendenhall has a total population of 2,504 citizens per the 2010 census. It would take approximately 500 signatures of registered voters to call an election. According to the MS Code no election on either question shall be held by any one municipality more often than once every two years.
Magee leadership has also discussed changing liquor laws for the city in the past but, they do not meet the population requirements. According to the 2010 census Magee has a population of 4,408.
Magee Mayor Dale Berry said, “We can’t push the issue but in my opinion Flowood was just like Magee before they passed it now look at Flowood.” Berry said he believes Flowood passed liquor sales for restaurants only and does not allow package stores. This is what he believes will benefit Magee. He said, “Flowood is a good example. Our police department is too good, if there are any concerns about drinking and driving our PD will get them.”
Berry said that he is talking to officials at the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District about the population reflected in the latest census being inaccurate.
The laws for establishing liquor sales for the county are almost the same. MS Code 67-1-11(2) says, “Upon presentation and filing of a proper petition requesting same signed by at least twenty percent (20%) or fifteen hundred (1,500), whichever number is the lesser, of the qualified electors of the county, it shall be the duty of the board of supervisors to call an election at which there shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the county the question of whether or not the sale, distribution and possession of alcoholic liquors shall be permitted in the county.”
It also says, “Such election shall be held and conducted by the county election commissioners on a date fixed by the order of the board of supervisors, which date shall not be more than sixty (60) days from the date of the filing of said petition.”
The conversation for liquor sales undoubtedly continue in the future with growth and development being the main selling point
