BENTON – Sunday sales and proximity of package stores to schools, churches and day cares dominated the discussion of the Benton City Council’s proposed new alcohol control ordinance at Monday’s meeting.
Councilman Butch Holland said the community approved alcohol sales for economic purposes and believed a good compromise to no Sunday sales was allowing alcohol by the drink starting at 1 p.m.
“I’ve had several calls against Sunday sales,” said Councilwoman Sherra Riley. “I think we need to show respect to God by banning Sunday sales.”
Councilwoman Rita Murray said Benton was unlikely to get new restaurants, whether chain or independent without Sunday sales.
In regard to a package store’s proximity to schools, day cares and churches, the Council received feedback from a full gallery.
Murray said she talked to the Alcohol Beverage Control officer in Murray. She said that city has no limit on proximity because an alcohol ordinance with restrictions can be challenged, and likely defeated in court. She added the city could be charged with legal expenses and court costs if a challenge is overturned.
City Attorney Martin Johnson said that an alcohol ordinance may not be able to regulate locations of package stores, but he thought planning and zoning could control shop locations. Alcohol-related businesses could also only operate in areas zoned C1 or C2.
“Since we were voted one of the best places to raise children, I’d like to see stores at least 1,000 feet from schools, churches and day cares,” Riley said.
“I’ve counted 15 churches and one daycare within city limits,” Murray said. “There aren’t many places to put a store.”
Mayor Rita Dotson said, “People are drinking whether they buy it here or elsewhere. Let’s let planning and zoning do their job and make a recommendation on locations. Zoning will help a lot and make sure they just can’t go anywhere.”
Dotson said due to its population and status as a Class IV city, Benton is only required to issue two licenses for package stores. She added that people could apply for special licenses in the future, at the city’s discretion. The county can not have stand alone bars.
According to the ordinance, read in its entirety, liquor by the drink may be sold by licensed restaurants from noon until midnight. Package stores may sell from 6 a.m. until midnight. The ordinance, as read, banned Sunday sales, though could be amended.
The ordinance also banned gambling and sexually-oriented businesses from operating in a venue where alcohol is sold. Alcohol-selling businesses also may not have outdoor patio sales or service. It mandated training for servers and banned sales to intoxicated people.
While the ordinance banned flashing signs, Dotson proposed banning neon signs from store windows.
The city has no limit on the number of beer and malt beverage licenses that can be awarded to convenience stores. There is also no limit to the number of restaurants with seating for at least 50 people, and deriving 50 percent or more of their revenue from food sales. Dotson said no restaurants have inquired about liquor-by-the-drink sales. Dotson will serve as city ABC officer once the ordinance is passed.