Jones County Group Working to Bring Liquor Sales to the November Ballot

GRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — There’s beer and wine sold, but in Jones County you can’t buy distilled liquor by the bottle.

“We’re not trying to force people to drink anymore than they are,” said Natalie Smith, Jones County Chamber of Commerce.

Smith is part of a group of citizens and local leaders that wants to give you the option to allow Jones County to sell distilled liquor, and open packaged liquor stores.

“In order to get in on the ballot we have to get 6,000 signatures,” said Smith.

Smith says residents will hit liquor stores just over the border in Bibb County where they can purchase all their alcohol in one spot.

“We know that there is liquor being brought back into the county, so we’d just like to keep the tax dollars here,” said Smith.

10-year Jones County resident George Williams thinks bringing a measure to the ballot is a good idea.

“We need some of the taxes here in jones county also… People are going to drink if they want to drink anyway. If they can’t get it in jones county they’re going to go somewhere else,” said Williams.

New resident Bonita Moore is torn on the issue.

“I can see where it can bring the tax dollars back into the county which is a plus. However, I am concerned about the level of drunk driving that might increase in the county,” said Moore.

Smith says the group is lobbying for liquor, but with at least 200 people already supporting the idea to put it too a vote it’s just working to get your voice heard.

“That is a personal choice. What we want is to get it on the ballot to give people a choice to vote,” said Smith.

The Jones County Commission and Gray City Council are working to also bring Sunday alcohol sales to the ballot. Currently they are not allowed in restaurants or stores.

If you’re interested in signing the petition you can head to the Jones County Chamber of Commerce or any of the following establishments: Agave Azul, Harvey’s, Ingles, Iron Bone Steakhouse, Jalephenos, Pickle Barrell, and most gas stations throughout the county.