City voters say ‘yes’ to alcoholic beverage sales

BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Inez voters said “yes” to the sale of alcoholic beverages Tuesday by a slim 71-64 vote.

Previously Inez was dry. The last time the alcoholic beverage option was put to the voters was Dec. 16, 2016, when voters rejected it 71-45.

“We wanted to see things change,” said Jennifer Wells, the Inez resident who filed the petition in August.

Wells also sits on the Inez City Commission and pointed out that most of the city’s street lights have been off for the last two years.

Following Tuesday night’s results, Wells said the vote was about change and choice.

Her personal belief, however, remains the same — that more businesses and entertainers will be receptive to coming to the city if there are venues that can cater to their customers and audiences.

“We believe this will bring more opportunities for revenue, jobs, restaurants and people to our city.”

Inez is the second city in Martin County to end prohibition. Warfield voted 67-4 in favor of alcoholic beverage sales in September 2016, which the former Mayor of Warfield, Ronald Workman, credits as keeping the city from folding.

Once the election is certified, the results will be put in the hands of the Department for Alcoholic Beverage Control.