Citizens in the Village of West Liberty have submitted petitions to place alcohol sales on the Nov. 7 general election ballot.
The intention of this initiative is to allow on-premises alcohol consumption within village limits for existing sit-down restaurants and to help in recruiting additional restaurants as an important economic development and downtown revitalization tool.
Three petitions have been submitted to place four questions on the ballot. The questions include to permit sales of beer for on-premises consumption, to repeal prohibition of alcohol and to permit sales for on-premises consumption of wine, mixed drinks and liquor.
The initiative is being driven by West Liberty citizens and business owners who are interested in economic development and West Liberty’s future.
“It is being pursued to support current businesses and attract new investments, reduce start-up financial burdens for small businesses, and encourage additional local dinner options within village limits,” according to a press release from the Wine, Dine and Revive West Liberty citizen group.
“Additionally, alcohol sales will provide more sales tax to the village that helps fund public infrastructure projects.”
Currently, no businesses within the village limits sell alcohol. Upon passage of the issues, businesses can apply for permits.
Two permits are available in the village from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control, based on West Liberty’s population. These permits do not allow for Sunday sales of alcohol in the village.
The Village of West Liberty has strong protective tools that will be used to prevent misuse or disreputable establishments, the citizen group noted.
Liquor permits must be renewed with the state every February with the Village having the right to object to a permit renewal. The Village has planning and zoning code processes that require approval prior to construction. Twenty-four hour police coverage is also in place.
Voting on the ballot issues will take place Tuesday, Nov. 7. Early voting begins Oct. 11. For any questions, e-mail winedineandrevivewl.
