KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffCarrier Mills prepares to go wet

Carrier Mills prepares to go wet

By Julia Bruck - bio | email

CARRIER MILLS, IL (KFVS) - If you go to Carrier Mills, you will soon be able to buy something that has been banned for more than 60 years--alcohol. 

Recently, voters approved liquor sales in the village, only after an error in the election count was discovered.  In the end, seven votes turned the village wet.  Now city leaders have to work out how to sell the drinks.

"The people have spoken; we are going to be wet.  We are going to have alcohol sales and want to control it, so it doesn't change the charter of our town more than it has too," said Carrier Mills Village Board President or Mayor Louis Shaw.

To do so the Carrier Mills Village Board has created a liquor ordinance committee.  Their job, to figure out when, how, who and how much it will cost to sell drinks.  Shaw says for guidance they are looking to their neighbors to the east in Harrisburg.

"Our hours will probably be very much like Harrisburg's accept that we may not allow Sunday sales.  That's still under discussion," Shaw said.

Another issue up for discussion is how many licenses will be given out.  However, while many decisions remain, Shaw says some businesses have already expressed interest.

"The local Casey's is interested in selling beer and wine.  We have an American Legion Post which would like to sell liquor as a private club," Shaw said.

Private citizens have also expressed interest in alcohol licenses.  Shaw says one idea is to tear down an old gas station and replace it with a drive through liquor shop, which may be a possible economic boost for this town.

"So if we can get some of our buildings improved or get some new buildings built to replace some of the ones up town we've got torn down that would be a huge benefit for the village," Shaw added. 

Carrier Mills resident James Arnold agrees.  He says it will also help put dollars back the community and may keep folks from driving to another town for a drink.

"I don't see it hurting anything.  I think it will help," Arnold said.

Once a vendor is approved for a Carrier Mills liquor license they will then have to apply through the state.  Shaw says between both applications it could be early fall before any business actually sells a drink.

The liquor committee met Tuesday to work on the ordinance.  A vote is expected at the first village board meeting in July.

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