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ASHEBORO — Tuesday’s referendum ended Asheboro’s days as the state’s largest dry city. But while plenty of champagne corks were popped in victory, it could be a while before the town gets an ABC store or anyone bellies up to a local bar.

First, the election results will have to be certified Tuesday. After that, the N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission will take applications for alcohol permits, available online at www.ncabc.com.

If the applications are in order, businesses could be issued temporary permits right away. Inspections will come within 60 days to determine whether a business gets a permanent permit.

On Sunset Avenue, where committees for and against the legalization of alcohol had their offices the past few months, businesses are now deciding whether to serve alcohol.

At The Coffee Xchange, which sells coffee, pastries and smoothies, customers could soon see beer and wine on the menu.

“I think it’s going to be a great thing for the town and for us,” said Misty Ronsick, 28, an Xchange employee. “Hopefully, it will boost our sales and be good for everyone.”

Customer Wendy Castle says she hopes so.

“I’ve always wished there was a place where we could go after work, me and a few girlfriends, and have a glass of wine,” Castle said. “It’s more social that way than sitting around at home. I think it’s really going to pick up Asheboro, and new businesses are going to come in and capitalize on that energy.”

Initially, those who choose to serve mixed drinks are going to have to buy their liquor at other towns’ ABC stores.

A local three-member ABC board will have to be created to handle construction and staffing of an Asheboro store.

The board — and who gets on it — could be another political football.

Melody Ward, 46, says she opposed the alcohol measures but doesn’t consider legalization the last fight.

“You don’t win every fight,” Ward said. “But now that we lost the vote, you can be sure we’re going to make sure this is done the way it should be done: as little alcohol as possible, none of these big nightclubs and people drunk in the street at all hours.”

After his opposition group’s defeat Tuesday, the Rev. John Rogers of First Baptist Church was already calling for Christians to seek spots on the ABC board.

Speaking to gathered opponents of the alcohol measures, Rogers said they should now try to restrict sales as much as they can.

“I don’t know how much can be done,” Rogers said Tuesday night. “If there are zoning laws that can be strict, they should be as strict as possible.”

The referendum has created plenty of work for the City Council, as well. At its Aug. 7 meeting, it will begin looking at the city’s zoning ordinances for businesses that sell alcohol, ordinances related to consumption on public streets and who will represent the city to the state ABC commission.

Contact Joe Killian at 883-4422, Ext. 228, or joe.killian@news-record.com