Recently some friends and I were debating whether or not to try a new restaurant that was opening in town.
One of the first questions was, “Well, did they get their liquor license?’” As a disclaimer, none of these girls are alcohol-dependent hurricanes, but the idea of eating quesadillas without a margarita to wash it down was completely out of the question.
Many counties and cities in Mississippi find themselves greatly affected by this type of discussion. Areas in the state that have been staunchly dry are finding themselves increasingly pressured to pass alcohol sale laws as a means to entice new business and foster revenue.
Towns where alcohol was once forbidden have slowly been chipping away at the rules. Allowing beer, but not cold beer; beer but not wine; wine but no liquor; liquor, but only if it meets a certain percentage of alcohol content.
The variations of all the different rules in Mississippi that differ from town to town, county to county and even statewide are as numerous as the different limeade options at Sonic’s happy hour. Still, there is an ever-increasing demand for more options during adult happy hour.
Residents are becoming more vocal about wanting the option to have a glass of wine at dinner, pick up a six-pack on a Sunday or have a wine or beer that has a higher alcohol content.
Many visitors are shocked to find that even in areas where alcohol is sold, they can not find the particular drink they are looking for because it does not meet the requirements set forth by the state.
Often food industry businesses are looking at expanding to different locations.
The topic up for discussion is whether the new location would be able to serve alcohol. If not allowed or greatly restricted, the businesses can simply choose to go elsewhere.
On a smaller scale, residents within Dry County A will take their personal business and dollars to Wet County B. Why not opt to bring in new business and keep the revenue in your county or town?
The reasons behind a strict alcohol law are often antiquated. They are rooted in the morality of the issue or based on policy concerns that the sale of alcohol brings in more bad than good.
However, the moral woes of alcohol are only a concern for a small percentage of the population, and alcohol is widely legal throughout the world and the consumption of it is perfectly acceptable to a vast majority of people from all different cultures and backgrounds.
Further, the increased revenue and business potential that alcohol sales could bring would certainly help Mississippi towns more than they could hurt.
Mississippi culture is one of front-porch sitting, the blues, good food and great company, all of which would pair quite nicely with an “ice-cold one.”
Anna Rush is a second-year law student from Hattiesburg. She graduated from Mississippi State University in 2011. Follow her on Twitter @annakrush.
