Council approves Sunday, holiday alcohol sales by 4-1 vote

By a 4-1 margin Thursday, the Demopolis City Council voted to send a resolution to the Alabama Legislature that would permit the sale of alcohol in the city on Sundays and holidays.

If passed by the Legislature, the measure would then be voted on statewide in November.

Taking up the issue that was discussed but not acted upon at last meeting, then council heard from two citizens before voting – one opposed to the measure and one in favor.

Connie Brown, coordinator of the Marengo County Community in Action Grant program, told the council a recent survey revealed that 59 percent of residents feel alcohol is the community’s greatest problem, 65 percent said someone close to them has an alcohol problem and 81 percent indicated that drinking and driving is a problem for the community.

She also said passage of the measure could increase the county’s “at risk” status.

Brown also suggested looking into other possible revenue sources that have gone untapped.

“Does this honor this community?” she asked the council in closing. “And does it honor the One we called upon to guide us when we opened this meeting (in prayer)?”

John Morrison told the council that “the best thing that ever happened to Marengo County was when it went wet”, touting increased tax revenues as well as reduced travel by county residents to other counties to purchase alcohol as benefits.

“I’m for the sale of alcohol on Sunday,” he said. “I’d like to see you give the people a chance to vote on it.”

Following brief council discussion, Harris Nelson made a motion to pass the resolution, which was seconded by Charles Jones Jr. Those two, along with Bill Meador and Nathan Hardy, voted yes, with Cleveland Cole dissenting.

“I just feel like Sunday is a day of worship, and alcohol shouldn’t be a part of it,” Cole said.

Mayor Mike Grayson, who had turned the gavel over to Meador and left table due to a potential conflict of interest, abstained.

The council vote came in front of a contingent of area ministers. Representatives from the Demopolis Ministerial Association had voiced their concerns over the measure at the council’s last meeting.

In other matters, Grayson noted that 113 businesses have not paid for their new business licenses, and suggested the city should stiffen penalties for delinquent business license payments.

The council also heard from citizens Jesse Ware and Yvonne Walker regarding unsightliness of a property at the corner of Floyd and Pettus. City Attorney Scott Stapp said a process has to be followed for improving dilapidated lots, and that the property in question is being addressed.

Grayson recognized City Clerk Sam Gross for “being vigilant” in discovering and recovering more than $400,000 in tax funds intended for the city that was inadvertently sent to the school system.

The mayor also noted that bids on the upcoming street paving project will be opened April 1 and presented to the council at its April 3 meeting.