Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 2, 1994 TAG: 9409020080
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RON BROWN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DALEVILLE LENGTH: Medium
Supervisors Chairman Bob Layman, who represents the district, said liquor by the drink would bolster hotel and restaurant business around the Troutville exit on Interstate 81.
Increased restaurant revenues would increase the county's take from its meals tax, Layman said.
No district in Botetourt County allows restaurants to serve mixed drinks.
"It is just another service to the public," Layman said. "It doesn't cost us anything. I think it would benefit the county."
Proponents argue that liquor by the drink is essential if the county is to attract high-quality chain restaurants along the U.S. 220 corridor. The county's comprehensive plan promotes the corridor around Daleville as a hot spot for commercial growth.
Amsterdam District residents made their intentions known earlier this year to circulate petitions supporting a vote on liquor by the drink. With a deadline set at the middle of next week, 182 names have been submitted supporting the vote.
It will take 311 of the district's 3,113 voters to get it placed on the ballot. Organizers have notified the county registrar's office that they may submit more names today.
They also have indicated that they will use the Labor Day weekend to gather names supporting the vote. A modification in state law requires a registered voter within the district to witness signatures put on the petition.
Layman said representatives of industries looking at sites in the county want mixed drinks with their meals.
More often than not, those industrial prospects travel down Interstate 81 to Roanoke County hotels and restaurants, where liquor by the drink is available, Layman said.
He sees liquor by the drink simply as a business reality.
"Everybody seems to be scared of the issue of liquor by the drink," Layman said. "I'm not endorsing drinking. I think people should take advantage of the option of voting on it. Certainly, a referendum is in order. I think we need to let the public speak."
John Shiflett, who represents the Buchanan District, said a favorable vote would mean that county restaurants could compete.
"We've got people who have a lot of money invested in motels and restaurants off Interstate 81," he said. "We should put them on an even playing field."
by CNB