Citizens of Buchanan who are registered voters will go the polls this November and vote on whether to allow the sale of liquor by the drink at authorized businesses in the city.

Buchanan Mayor Benjamin Biggers noted that the city’s current ordinance only permits the sale of beer and wine by the drink at restaurants, but it does not authorize the sale of distilled spirits and liquor at restaurants. The referendum that citizens will cast their vote on next month proposes a loosening of those boundaries regarding alcohol sales. Yet, Biggers did stress that the proposed ordinance may have stipulations attached pertaining to confining sales to certain locations or areas in the city.

The latest referendum reads, “Shall the governing authority of the city of Buchanan be authorized to issue licenses to sell distilled spirits or beverage preferences by the drink, such sales to be for consumption only on the premises?”

Voters can respond by “yes” or “no” to the question, and several businesses owners may turn out for the vote to voice their opinion along with the rest of the city.

Gwen’s Family Restaurant Manager Dianne Overbey said she opposes the idea to sell alcohol at her business, which is dubbed one of the most thriving restaurants in town, according to some residents.

“This is a family business, and I’m not for it, personally,” she said.

She added that the restaurant is revered as “family-friendly” to the community and wants to maintain its presence, which could be dampened by selling alcoholic beverages.

On the other hand, broadening the sale of alcohol is deemed to some as a money-generating opportunity for the community, which is desperately needed in this sagging economy.

Christa Pritchard, manager of Plaza Liquor Store in Buchanan, noted possible long-term benefits to the county that may stem from passing the liquor ordinance that will be on the table.

“It may be a benefit to the county because we could possibly get some new restaurants that will bring more job opportunities and make the county grow,” she said.

Pritchard further noted that the county may face a financial loss because of current legislations regarding alcohol sales.

Nettie Everett, who lives just a few miles north of the city in Felton, says while she isn’t overly-concerned about adults having more access to alcohol, which arguably comes with approval of the new ordinance; however, she hopes underage children won’t be more inclined to “get a hold of it.”

“I wouldn’t vote for it, and I don’t care for it,” but I’m really concerned for younger people trying to get a hold of it,” she said.

Regardless of how the local ordinance and state laws about alcohol sales currently stand, long-time Buchanan resident Nancy Dyer believes that “people are going to get alcohol one way or another,” although she does not drink alcohol.

Residents will have the opportunity to share their opinions about the referendum and hear comments from city council candidates at the forum scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Buchanan City Hall. General elections will be held Tuesday, Nov.3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., succeeding the last day of absentee and early voting, which will end Friday, Oct. 30, at 5 p.m.