Web posted
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Winfield gives approval to liquor sales on holidays
By JOSHUA AMES
Courier Staff Writer
Liquor sales on Christmas and Thanksgiving were approved by Winfield City Commissioners at their Tuesday night meeting.
The ordinance, which applies to liquor stores, was passed after Winfield City Attorney Bill Muret found that banning liquor sales on those days didn't conform to a state statute set by the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) section of the Kansas Department of Revenue. The new ordinance is simply a way to meet that standard. Bars are allowed to be open every day of the year.
Since liquor stores were first allowed in Winfield in 2005, at least five businesses have opened within city limits.
In Arkansas City, the sale of hard liquor is not allowed on Sundays and Memorial Day, Labor Day, July 4, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Cereal malt beverages may be sold any day except for Sundays.
But some of those business owners said that even if they are now allowed to be open on the two holidays, they probably won't be.
Chad Wilson, owner of C & B Liquor, said it's a great gesture on the part of the commission to pass the ordinance, but to him, family is more important on those days than making money.
"The holidays and family are more important than being open and I'd rather not be open, on those days," Wilson said.
Teri Coble, co-owner of Bob's Liquor, said that she sees no point in the ordinance, considering the Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day are more drinking-oriented than Christmas or Thanksgiving; are during the summer when more people are outside; and are at a time of the year when people aren't bogged down by the stress of the gift-driven winter holidays.
"It just seems odd that those two holidays are now allowed, but not the three major summer holidays," said Coble.
"I have no interest in being open on family holidays like that. Nobody should have to work those days."
Bart Mitchell, owner of The Dam Liquor Store, said he definitely won't be open on Christmas, but Thanksgiving is still a possibility for him.
"On Christmas I know I won't be open since I'll be in church," Mitchell said with a laugh.
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