Mayor answers First Monday alcohol questions

Recently a local pastor questioned me about the possibility of alcohol sales on the First Monday grounds should the alcohol initiatives pass this November:

“You mentioned (in article of 6-26-2016) that alcohol will not be at first Monday, even if this passes. Does that mean it cannot ever be there because the city of Canton cannot allow any of their vendors to ever sell alcohol at first Monday? Or does it mean that there is a future legal way for the city owned properties at first Monday to have alcohol permits, but they just do not have them now?

My concern is that if the alcohol initiative passes, there will be alcohol (sales) at first Monday. Is there a way for first Monday to never have alcohol (sales)?”

Lots of questions and the answers are involved.  My sources for this article include a 90 minute face-to-face meeting with a representative of the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission (TABC), a workshop session held by the TABC, review of our current zoning ordinances and a phone visit with Wills Point Mayor Mark Turner.  This answer is specifically for our city-owned First Monday properties, but many of the regulations also affect privately owned properties zoned “First Monday”.  So, here we go . . . .

First I want to refresh your memory as to the alcohol petitions that Canton citizens will get to vote on this coming November 8.  This is from the Canton Herald:

“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.”  This has nothing at all to do with alcohol sales at First Monday.

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