BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

KERMIT — In a contentious meeting Monday night, the Kermit Council green-lighted a tavern license for Gametime Grill, contrary to Mayor Charles Sparks’ stance on the issue.

Mayor Sparks voiced his opposition before the vote, stating, “The mayor says ‘no.’”

While councilpersons Wilburn Hawky Preece and Peggy Moore chose to abstain, Tammy Preece Hodge, J.W. Endicott and Anna Mae Sartin Wellman gave their nod of approval.

Hodge, emphasizing her deep-rooted connection to the town, remarked, “The mayor knows I respect him. I grew up in this town, and we’ve had a lot and we’ve had a little. How can we say that we’re for economic growth and development and encourage young people to stay here and have businesses? With the trail system coming in, they will just pass us by.”

How can we say that we’re for economic growth and development and encourage young people to stay here and have businesses? With the trail system coming in, they will just pass us by.

Tammy Preece Hodge, Kermit City Council

Hodge pointed out that East Kermit is unincorporated.

“You could go up there and put a tent up, sell you some beer and be really wild because there are no rules,” she said.

“I grew up in a town where there were as many beer joints as there were churches. I survived. We should give it a shot.”

Endicott echoed similar sentiments.

“I’m not opposed to it at all,” he remarked. “We need to be pro-business in this town. There have to be some rules … but I’m not opposed to a cold beer every now and then…It’s a good idea.”

Wellman also supported the initiative.

“It’s very good for the town,” Wellman said.

Ahead of the vote, Justin Marcum, the attorney representing Gametime Grill’s owner Justin Kirk, explained the establishment’s intention to secure a video lottery license. For this, West Virginia law mandates they also have a “tavern” license from the West Virginia ABCA, which would only permit indoor beer sales.

Marcum stated the potential financial advantages for the town, particularly with the anticipated influx of trail users.

The attorney also drew attention to the town’s 2007 ordinance prohibiting new licenses but noted its inconsistencies. “There have been eight licenses issued after that ordinance was passed,” said Marcum.

Those include Mustangs Stumble In Inc., three licenses issued to Corner Market, two licenses to Fast Lane, and one to each Gracie’s Gateway, Super Corner Market and Braxton’s Corner Market. 

Justin Kirk clarified the licensing process, saying the council has to validate the paperwork annually.

“It’s not a renewal,” said Kirk.

Mayor Sparks asked Kirk, “You have to have a beer license, but you do not have to sell beer?”

Addressing Sparks’ question, Kirk stated that offering beer to lottery players is mandatory. The businessman noted there would be strict regulations in place at his restaurant at 12 Main Street. He plans to halt kitchen services by 11 p.m. on weekends, cease beer sales by midnight and end lottery activities by 1 a.m. even though the lottery could stay open until 3 a.m.

Following the council’s vote, the mayor announced that trick-or-treat is set for 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Oct. 31, and left the meeting.

Marcum advised the council that regardless of any ordinance or the lack of an ordinance, no one could get a license to sell alcoholic beverages without obtaining approval from the council.

The council decided to formulate a new ordinance.