The dance continues

PERHAPS the ongoing conflict of alcohol sales in Arkansas will continue this November. This time, Randolph County appears to be the battleground.

The papers say 4,212 signatures have been certified, and the county will likely move forward for a vote on whether to allow the sale and manufacture of alcohol.

Arkansas’ 75 counties continue to tilt in favor of wet counties as dry ones become fewer every other election cycle. The folks over at Alcohol Beverage Control tell us our state has 34 dry counties and 41 wet. After November, the numbers could be different.

Randolph County has attempted this two other times, and the third time might just be a charm. Of course, a lawsuit could always be filed and lead to the measure getting yanked off the ballot. But barring that, Randolph County voters will get to participate in the greatest aspect of democracy, having a say over what happens in their neck of the woods.

Supporters of alcohol sales will argue that their county is losing out on tax revenue as people leave the area to buy booze. Opponents will argue for just as long that alcohol sales bring higher crime rates, and they don’t want that in their community. Clearly there are advantages and disadvantages to both wet and dry counties.

You’ll usually find the biggest opposition from county line liquor stores— in the other county—that make a pretty penny from people driving across the line. And they’ll often donate thousands of dollars to groups who fight to keep counties dry.

Call it the continuing democratic process. It’s part of what makes our country a great place to live—and vote.