UNION CO. — Union County Commission Vice Chairman Stony Rushing supports having the referendum on alcohol sales that will happen in 2016. Union County was once a completely dry county, and while many municipalities now allow beer and wine sales, it is still not allowed in the unincorporated areas.
"If the people of Union County want alcohol sales in the county, then they need to be the ones to send that message to the people," Rushing said.
But the sheriff says if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
"There's no place in this county where residents within a short period of time, 10 minutes, maybe 10 to 15 minutes, can't drive and buy alcohol," said Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey.
Supporters of extending beer and wine sales say the revenue would be a plus for the county. The sheriff says that money would get sucked up in increased law enforcement costs.
"You'll see us having to add officers, you'll see us having to manage the sales of that alcohol in the county, the underage drinking," Cathey said.
Lora Wade works at the Exxon convenience store in Fairview, which is dry. She says they get requests for beer all the time.
"Oh, some of it's bad. We've had to ask people to leave because they get so upset and start (acting out), oh yes," Wade said.
People gave Channel 9 mixed opinions on this issue.
"I would say yes, it would help raise more money for the roads and whatever," said Billy Baker.
"Younger kids are going to continue to try and drink and they'll get behind the wheel and I don't like it. I think it needs to stay dry around here," said Ronda Baucom.
The alcohol referendum will happen in March 2016 when voters go to the polls for the presidential primary.
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