City continues draft beer, Sunday sales discussion

The Enterprise City Council welcomed local Rep. Barry Moore to its Aug. 8 working session to discuss how the city needs to move forward with the legislature concerning draft beer sales.

City councilmembers have heard from a number of residents who desire draft beer sales.

A petition with about 1,600 signatures was presented at a city council meeting in April.

Enterprise Mayor Kenneth Boswell said not only residents have expressed this desire, but current and potential businesses have also inquired about draft beer and Sunday sales.

"We have had a request to look into this by merchants, and not only merchants, but also while we're out recruiting for restaurants," Boswell said. "That is one of the major questions that always comes up. It would be a tool of sorts to be able to attract those restaurants that we don't currently have. It is something the council is looking into and gathering information ... so that they can make decision for the future."

Councilmembers discussed the possibility of adding Sunday off-premises sales to the proposed legislation.

Nearby Dothan recently voted in favor of Sunday alcohol sales, making it legal for residents on Aug. 18 to purchase alcohol from 1 p.m. until midnight.

Earlier this year, the town of New Brockton drafted and had legislation approved to permit draft beer sales within its town limits, making it the only municipality allowing draft beer in Coffee County.

Once the proposed legislation is in bill form, the city will advertise the bill letting residents know it will be introduced to the legislature.

Moore will then take the proposed legislation to the legislature when it convenes in February 2014.

The city would need to either have a special election or include the measure on the next municipal election ballot.

Boswell said the best way to move forward with the idea is give residents the opportunity to vote on the matter.

"I think it's a decision for the people," Boswell said. "It being put on a ballot is the best thing to do and allow those people to vote their conscience."