Local voters react to alcohol decisions

BOLIVAR, Tenn. — The votes are in, and a variety of wine and liquor referendums across West Tennessee all passed Tuesday. Residents say they credit that to the high voter turnout.

“We’ve had a huge turnout this year, record, and I think that’s the only reason that this has passed,” Harold Spain said.

In Humboldt and Bolivar, referendums have passed allowing the sale of wine in retail food stores. In Henderson, liquor by the drink and retail package stores were approved.

But not everyone is looking forward to this change.

“If you’re Christian, you just cannot have alcoholic beverages in your county, anywhere,” Jane Bryant said.

“I’m going to go to church and try to live the Lord,” Jessie Hudson said. “We don’t need that liquor. I don’t believe in drinking is what I’m saying.”

However, most businesses and residents we spoke with say it will not only bring convenience and revenue but also allow them to keep up with the growth of neighboring cities.

“It’s all about progress,” Spain said. “We either are going to lag behind and follow, or hopefully I hope we can lead something someday.”