news-record.com

The Stokesdale Town Council voted 3-2 Thursday night against putting two alcohol resolutions up for referendum.

Residents were given the opportunity to address the town council about why they should or shouldn't be able to vote on a liquor by the drink and the operation of an ABC store within the town limits.

"Our intent is to hear both sides," Mayor Randle L. Jones said during the meeting.

The consideration for the referendum was placed on the agenda upon a request from King's Crossing developer during the regular August meeting.

He said his primary reason was to attract popular chain restaurants, like Ruby Tuesday and Applebee's, which have bars.

Oak Level Baptist Church pastor Jerry Walker spoke out against the referendum.

"What I don't like is the availability of alcohol coming into our town," he said. "With availability comes a truckload of garbage."

Walker said if the council were to vote for the referendum and residents were to vote in favor of liquor by the drink, it could lead to "adult entertainment (establishments), strip clubs and gay bars."

Councilwoman Cheryl S. Steele cast her votes in favor of the referendum but felt the need to explain why.

"I don't feel that I have the right to tell someone they can't vote on it," she said.

Though the council voted against the referendum, Combs, or anyone else, can still force a referendum.

The individual(s) would have to have one-third of the town's registered voters sign a petition to have the referendum.

Jones estimated that number to be between 975 to 1000 of the town's residents.

Contact Tiffany S. Jones at 373-7157 or tiffany.jones@news-record.com