Liquor stores increase revenues
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McKENZIE, Tenn. — This week marks one year since McKenzie legalized the sale of liquor. Since last July, three liquor stores have opened up in McKenzie, bringing the small Carroll County city more than $40,000 in new tax revenue. Residents like Beverly Ellis say it’s giving the community a boost. “I suppose it’s brought in quiet a bit of money,” Ellis said. “I think it’s been really good for our town in some ways.” City Wine and Liquor has been open for just about a year. The owner says people have been coming from all across Carroll County to stock up. “The outlying areas within a 20 mile radius have been coming here,” owner David Barksdale said. He mentioned places like Gleason, Huntingdon, Trezevant and Atwood.” McKenzie Mayor Jill Holland says some residents felt alcohol related crimes would go up with the new stores, but she says they haven’t. “There has been no significant increase in DUI or public drunkenness cases,” Mayor Holland said. Some residents still aren’t convinced liquor is good for McKenzie. “It’s not really a good thing. It just adds to the alcohol problem,” McKenzie resident Randy Prichard said. “People are spending all their money for food on alcohol now.” Overall, Barksdale says the community has been very accepting. “Not knowing what to expect or to anticipate based on a community who’s never had liquor,” Barksdale said. “It was a little scary but it’s been really good.” According to city officials, McKenzie’s three liquor stores bring about $3,800 in tax revenue a month, most of which will be distributed through different projects throughout the city.
