NEW ALBANY, Miss. (WTVA) -- Susan Hill and Tammy Miller are well aware of the alcohol issue in New Albany. They watched two failed attempts to approve liquor and wine sales during recent years.
"I feel that it is dangerous for our youth. I feel that it is dangerous for our families. Alcohol does destroy our families," Hill said.
Like the majority of others throughout Union County, she voted no to alcohol.
Under state law, beer could be voted on in the city if it failed countywide, but that was not the case for liquor and wine until new legislation was approved in 2012.
"I think that (because) it was the city and the county, it probably wouldn't pass, but with just the city votes and since the last passed, I am afraid this will too," Hill added.
Liquor and wine referendum supporter Micha Foster hopes for passage.
"Well, it will bring a lot more money to town through tourism attractions and revenue and just the revenue of the sales. Restaurants will be able to serve alcohol, which brings a lot of people to your town. Now, the only place you can do that is Tupelo, so why not have that money spent in your town," Foster said.
"I understand what they're thinking, and I also see immediate potential of growth, but when I think of it, I don't know that the negative parts of alcohol will be worth the benefit of having it in town," John Hickey said.
If the referendum passes, wine and liquor would only be sold in the city.
