Canton group forms to bring alcohol back to ballot

A group of citizens has formed the “Canton Economic Growth Committee” to ask voters to support limited alcohol sales in the city limits of Canton.

The group consists of local residents, business and community leaders and many local businesses.  They are asking Canton registered voters to sign two petitions calling for an election in November 2016. 

One petition will allow a vote for the legal sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption only.  This would allow beer and wine sales in businesses such as grocery and convenience stores but would not allow package liquor sales or liquor stores. 

The second petition states “for the legal sale of mixed beverages in restaurants by food and beverage certificate holders only.”  This will only allow state-recognized restaurants to serve alcohol without requiring private club memberships. 

This would not allow stand alone bars or nightclubs.

The group asserts that Canton is losing valuable tax revenues when people drive out of town to buy beer and wine.

“Grocery stores report for every $1 dollar lost in beer/wine sales, they lose an additional $3 in general sales. This can be as much as $25,000 to $150,000 per week in lost sales depending on size and store location,” said John McKeehan, a Canton resident who also served as a member of the Canton Economic Development Corporation.   

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