SHERWOOD, AR — Not enough voters approved a measure to turn the whole state wet during November’s election, but economic leaders — in one local city — are working on another way to bring alcohol to their area.
There’s only a small portion of Sherwood — in the middle of the city — that’s dry. It was known as Gray Township, but it no longer exists. However, the laws created many years ago still do. That’s why some folks are working to make changes.
Barry Sellers, with the Sherwood Chamber of Commerce, said, “We don’t want anybody to drink and drive and go through the same tragedy we went through.”
Sellers has every reason to be against alcohol sales. His sister died in a drunk driving accident as a teenager. But, working for the Sherwood Chamber of Commerce, Sellers’ goal is to bring more jobs to the area. That’s why he says he’s for turning Gray Township wet.
He said, “Sometimes not everyone is going to agree with what you say or how you say it, but you know, I don’t really care. I’m entitled to my own opinion.”
Right now land in Gray Township is sitting empty. Sellers says it’s because many businesses — like restaurants — rely on alcohol sales and won’t move there.
He said, “We have 800 news homes going in that area. The restaurants follow the rooftops, but the restaurants also like to have their full menu so we’re all connected.”
Right now Senate Bill 373 is being reviewed in committees. If passed, it would allow for restaurants — in Gray Township — to sell alcohol as long as voters agree. The bill would also cut down on the number of petition signatures needed to get a wet/dry issue on the ballot. It would go from 38% of voter signatures to just 15%
Sellers says a study from the University of Arkansas Little Rock found it could be a $10 million annual impact to Sherwood. But, not everyone is ready for the change.
Student Pastor Nathan Harper said, “This particular issue affects everyone around the person who pushes the limits.”
Harper says the more dry areas in Arkansas, the better.
He said, “And not just to see this as drinking is a bad issue, but for this to be an act of valuing the safety of our citizens.”
Changes to Senate Bill 373 are still being made, and there’s no word on when it will be introduced on the floor.
The bill would affect all areas (Jacksonville is another example) that still are home to part of old townships which no longer exist.
If you would like to follow Melissa Schroeder’s reports on Facebook, you can click here and like her page.
There’s only a small portion of Sherwood — in the middle of the city — that’s dry. It was known as Gray Township, but it no longer exists. However, the laws created many years ago still do. That’s why some folks are working to make changes.
Barry Sellers, with the Sherwood Chamber of Commerce, said, “We don’t want anybody to drink and drive and go through the same tragedy we went through.”
Sellers has every reason to be against alcohol sales. His sister died in a drunk driving accident as a teenager. But, working for the Sherwood Chamber of Commerce, Sellers’ goal is to bring more jobs to the area. That’s why he says he’s for turning Gray Township wet.
He said, “Sometimes not everyone is going to agree with what you say or how you say it, but you know, I don’t really care. I’m entitled to my own opinion.”
Right now land in Gray Township is sitting empty. Sellers says it’s because many businesses — like restaurants — rely on alcohol sales and won’t move there.
He said, “We have 800 news homes going in that area. The restaurants follow the rooftops, but the restaurants also like to have their full menu so we’re all connected.”
Right now Senate Bill 373 is being reviewed in committees. If passed, it would allow for restaurants — in Gray Township — to sell alcohol as long as voters agree. The bill would also cut down on the number of petition signatures needed to get a wet/dry issue on the ballot. It would go from 38% of voter signatures to just 15%
Sellers says a study from the University of Arkansas Little Rock found it could be a $10 million annual impact to Sherwood. But, not everyone is ready for the change.
Student Pastor Nathan Harper said, “This particular issue affects everyone around the person who pushes the limits.”
Harper says the more dry areas in Arkansas, the better.
He said, “And not just to see this as drinking is a bad issue, but for this to be an act of valuing the safety of our citizens.”
Changes to Senate Bill 373 are still being made, and there’s no word on when it will be introduced on the floor.
The bill would affect all areas (Jacksonville is another example) that still are home to part of old townships which no longer exist.
If you would like to follow Melissa Schroeder’s reports on Facebook, you can click here and like her page.