A group that supports expanding alcohol sales in Arkansas submitted more than 84,000 signatures on Monday (July 7) to Secretary of State Mark Martin, according to affiliate station KTHV.
Let Arkansas Decide turned in 84,969 signatures to put its proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot. The group needed at least 78,133 signatures from registered voters to qualify, KTHV reported.
"If it passes in November any city in the state will be able to sell alcohol in July of 2015," said Barling city director Bruce Farrar. "We`ve had several restaurants come into the city of Barling but they won`t come in because they can`t sell alcoholic drinks."
The alcohol measure would legalize alcohol sales in all 75 counties. A total of 35 Arkansas counties are dry at this time, according to KTHV.
"I would vote to keep it dry," said Crawford County resident Tammy Polly. "I`ve lived here since I was a little girl and raised my children here because it`s a safe place for kids I just prefer it that way."
Farrar said business would boom if approved.
"The restaurant association made a survey if a restaurant can sell a glass of wine a mixed drink or a beer their average ticket jumped 25 percent," Farrar said.
To read the full story on our affiliate station's website KTHV - Channel 11, click here.