Voters in Rockmart this fall will get a chance to decide whether the city should allow liquor stores to open up within the city limits following the approval of the council for a referendum to head to the ballot.
Council members approved the referendum 4-1 with Rick Stone voting against the measure during the June regular session on Tuesday evening.
The referendum seeks to let voters decide “Shall licenses for the package sale of distilled spirits in the City limits of Rockmart be permitted or prohibited” when they head to the polls in November for municipal elections.
Rockmart already permits the sale of beer, wine, malt beverages and other alcoholic drinks by the glass. Convenience stores also are allowed to sell beverages as well.
The hope of the council is that by allowing package sales at liquor stores, it’ll help attract and increase business within the city limits.
Cities like Cedartown, Cartersville, Rome and Dallas already allow package sales through liquor stores. The city’s resolution allowing the referendum on the ballot also cited the loss of business to surrounding cities as a motivating factor.
The city will still have to update the alcohol ordinance and undertake updates for licensing requirements if voters approve the referendum in November.
Here’s the resolution from the city approving the referendum go on the ballot:
