No Sunday Sales for Stephens County

Residents of Stephens County will not see Sunday Alcohol Sales on the ballot for the forthcoming election.

During the Stephens County Board of Commissioners Planning Retreat yesterday, a 2-2 vote caused the motion to fail.

Chairman Michelle Ivester explained to the board that she felt this should be a decision the community makes.

“I think we should let the citizens vote and decide,” she said.

However, Vice Chairman Dean Scarborough felt differently.

Commissioner Debbie Whitlock explained that she was for Sunday Alcohol Sales.

“With Sunday Alcohol Sales they can go to the store [here] instead of crossing state lines or going to Habersham,” Whitlock argued.

Both Ivester and Whitlock argued that Sunday Alcohol Sales would be an easy way for the County to generate revenue; however, Commissioner Dennis Bell reminded the board of the implications of Sunday Sales.

“I want the revenue, I do; but, you can’t put a price on a human life,” Bell said.

Ivester again reiterated that this was a chance to let the community decide.

“This is one of the only times we can left the community decide what they want. And I think that’s what we should do, let them decide if they want it,” Ivester added.

Following her statement, the commission voted and the motion failed.

Along with Sunday Alcohol Sales other recommendations to increase revenue did not pass during the retreat.