Boston Alcohol Referendum Passes - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

While municipalities across the state continue the Sunday alcohol debate, restaurants in one south Georgia town can now serve it during the week.

With a vote of 105 to 92, the city of Boston voted yes to allow the sale of distilled spirits Monday through Saturday.

Business owners in Downtown Boston say restaurant alcohol sales were a long time coming.

"Being a local business owner I think it's a great thing. I think that it can definitely promote downtown business development and you know bring people from the outside in," said Salon Owner Ashley Prevatt.

While package stores in Boston were already allowed to sell beer and wine, restaurants were not.

"If it will help the economy than I'm all for it and the citizens of Boston decided they want it and I work for the citizens of Boston so that's what we're going to do," said Boston Police Chief Ferrell Howell.

Chief Howell says he thinks the new law will do more good than bad, but does have a warning for drivers.

"Know that it only takes a couple of drinks to be legally drunk in the state of Georgia and if you get behind the wheel, drunk, in Georgia, and in the city of Boston, you're going to go to jail if we catch you."

We spoke with one man off camera who says he voted no in the referendum and when asked why he said he thinks it would raise the crime rate.

"I can see where someone would be against it. We live in a small town here. People don't really like a lot of change. Especially something like liquor being brought into the town," said Prevatt.

Local residents say this new law could actually help curb drinking and driving. "I think keeping it local could be a good way for people in the town to walk to the corner pub," said Prevatt.

Chief Howell says while the new ordinance could help the local economy, it will be a while before each eligible business can acquire the proper licensing.

Other notable election night results in Thomas County include Mark Mitchell defeating Andrew Pope for state court judge and Wiley Grady edging out Gene Price for County Commission District Six.

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