Will Prohibition Come To Alabama City?

Athens, Ala., Will Vote On Whether To Ban Alcohol

(AP)  Voters have a chance on Tuesday to return this northern Alabama city to the days of Prohibition.

A measure to end the sale of alcohol in Athens is up for a citywide vote, a rare instance where voters could overturn a previous vote to allow sales. Business interests are against repeal, but church leaders who helped organize the petition drive that got the measure on the ballot are asking members to pray and fast in support of a ban.

Christians who oppose drinking on moral grounds believe they have a chance to win, however small.

"If it can be voted out anywhere, it will be here because so many Christians are against it," said Teresa Thomas, who works in a Christian book store.

Business leaders argue that ending the sale of beer, wine and liquor would hurt tax revenues and send the message that Athens is backward. "Economic impact is really the big issue," said Carl Hunt, an organizer of the pro-alcohol sale Citizens for Economic Progress.

The United States went dry in 1920 after the 18th Amendment outlawed the production, transportation and sale of alcohol. Prohibition was repealed in 1933.

Now, less than four years after they first voted to legalize alcohol sales, the nearly 22,000 residents of Athens will decide whether to prohibit alcohol sales within the city, located about 95 miles north of Birmingham. Possession and consumption would remain legal.

Such "wet-to-dry" votes aren't unheard of, but they're rare, said Jim Mosher of the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, which tracks public policy issues including alcohol laws.

"In Barrow, Alaska, when they legalized alcohol sales, problems went through the roof," Mosher said. "Then, when they banned it again, it improved."

City Clerk John Hamilton didn't have an early estimate on turnout among the city's nearly 12,000 registered voters, but he said the turnout could be good based on the large number of absentee ballots cast before the polls opened.

"It's the alcohol issue that will bring the people out," he said.

Twenty-six of Alabama's 67 counties, including Limestone, where Athens is located, don't allow alcohol sales. Besides the Athens vote, residents of the southern Alabama town of Thomasville were to cast their ballots Tuesday on whether to legalize alcohol sales.

Regardless of whether Athens winds up wet or dry, a leader of the 138-year-old National Prohibition Party is glad voters have a chance to decide. Such issues rarely make it to the ballot any more, said attorney Howard Lydick, a member of the party's executive committee.

"The beer and wine industry has very good PR," Lydick said. "Those pushing (prohibition) have been pushed aside."

The Rev. Eddie Gooch feels good about the chances of ending alcohol sales in Athens, but he isn't taking any chances.

A leader of the petition drive, Gooch urged members of his United Methodist Church to pray and fast on election day and the two days leading up to it. Church volunteers have sent thousands of letters and made phone calls encouraging people to vote "dry."

Mayor Dan Williams said the city government is making nearly $250,000 in extra sales taxes directly tied to alcohol, and the city's schools get the same amount.

Besides that money, he said, overall tax revenues have grown since alcohol sales were legalized in January 2004 — an increase he attributes partly to alcohol sales.

An upscale Italian restaurant recently moved to Athens from the nearby dry city of Hartselle in order to sell alcohol, and Williams said other restaurants have arrived since it went wet.

"It's a big deal for a small town to get a new restaurant," he said.

Gooch isn't worried about the city losing businesses or tax revenues if alcohol sales are banned. Normal economic growth and God will make up any difference if residents dump the bottle, he said.

"We believe that God will honor and bless our city," Gooch said.

[sgtrds]

Who cares?

[catcher722]

people are stupid to think it will have any effect on people drinking alcohol if they cannot sell it, I live in a town that sells it and the town next to me does not, it just increased the income on the stores in my town. It makes no difference if that particular town sells it or the closest town that does.

[whoamama1]

Exactly. If people want to vote to have things their way, why is it such a big deal? Big frowns to you CBS by suggesting "Alabama Backwardness". In my opinion I think its progress that these citizens are actually being active enough in the community to change things themselves instead of suing over it.

[processor2]

It is about people being allowed to vote.

It's called democracy.

...

[erasmus6]

Does this sound stupid or what?

What is the point of banning it in one city when all they have to do is go next door to get it?

That would be just like banning guns in one state when all the rest still have them. Or like having a "gun free zone" when everybody and their grandma has one.

I'm not saying it shouldn't be done but unless the whole country does it, what's the point?

[patsy2007-2009]

This is s t u p i d!!! My grandparents and parents are religious and my whole family is too, but this religion needs to start minding their own business. They are obligating and forcing other religions to do as they want and that is not fair to any one in the city.
What they should do instead is collect money for the poor, and donate for the sick.

[gunownerdan]

Prohibition never works.
We should have learned this simple fact back in the 1930's.
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
www.leap.cc

[undermyboot]

So these monkeys want all of us to follow their religious dictates. Sounds like the Christian Taliban to me. In fact, don't the Muslims ban alcohol too? Hey, since these Christian Taliban know God so much better than the rest of us, we should let them run the whole country! Who can question their theology? It "comes directly from God". Oh wait, so do the beliefs of the rest of these cults.... ROFLMAO

Go back to your caves, Taliban. You don't get to tell the rest of us how to live.

[djpowles]

Your right, it is about democracy. Its about voting. Its about how it doesn't work when you let backward religious nuts vote to turn this country into a Christian empire.

[terryonolley]

This isn't about democracy - it is about religious freaks trying to impose their morality on innocent bystanders. If they don't want to drink - they can simply NOT DRINK.

All this is going to do is cause every family that would have gone out to dinner in town and have a glass of wine with dinner (Wine... where have I heard something about xstians and wine...) to drive to a nearby town.

The religious freaks get their moral victory and the normal people lose a freedom.

Way to go deep south!

[three-o-six]

Wasn't Jesus first miracle to make Wine??? At a wedding after the guests had drunk freely??

[klingon69]

I live in a dual municipality now. Two cities, one name, two states. One side is wet: bars, clubs, liqour stores...etc.
One side is semi-dry: Private clubs and restaurants only.

Recently it was put to a vote for the dry side to allow sales of beer and wine through grocery stores and convenience stores.
Since this would "rob" the wet side of some if not alot of business they invested, lobbied and fought the dry side on this issue. They also hired PR firms outside of the city to create a campaign against it. It did not pass, but the vote was so close it could've been a revote if it had been electing someone, less than 100 votes difference.
I hope they put it back on the ballot, I will vote for it again. I wish they could keep the other city/state out of our politics.

[gunownerdan]

Jesus made wine and Christians drink wine when they have their ritualized cannibalism of the body of Jesus.
Why must there be so much hypocrisy?

[mike71067]

"The religious freaks get their moral victory and the normal people lose a freedom. Way to go deep south!"
-Posted by TerryONolley at 02:42 PM : Aug 14, 2007

Let's have a standing ovation for the liberals, paraders of "tolerance" and "diversity"!!!

[processor2]

It is about people being allowed to vote.

It's called democracy.

...

[three-o-six]

It was wine as well that Jesus had his diciples drink and remember Him and His sacrifice. So where do SOME christians get the idea that drinking is tabu???

[klingon69]

I live in a dual municipality now. Two cities, one name, two states. One side is wet: bars, clubs, liqour stores...etc.
One side is semi-dry: Private clubs and restaurants only.

On another note, we have had 3 topless bars/clubs open here. One had no advertising and the girls had to wear pasties. It died.
One opened in a small town next to mine, they paid all the fees, got their liqour license, paid their adult entertainment permit fees...etc. Bought the property, built the club, decorated it, opened it and was doing a thriving business. The city then adopted an retroactive ordinance that no adult business can be within 1500 feet of church property. This was no problerm as no church property was. However, this church purchased some land to use for parking that was withing 1500 ft of the club, so it was closed.

[mike71067]

"Your right, it is about democracy. Its about voting. Its about how it doesn't work when you let backward religious nuts vote to turn this country into a Christian empire."
-Posted by djpowles at 02:38 PM : Aug 14, 2007

Let's have another round of applause for the liberals, paraders of "tolerance" and "diversity"!!

[mike71067]

"Let's have a standing ovation for the liberals, paraders of "tolerance" and "diversity"!!!
Posted by mike71067 at 02:53 PM : Aug 14, 2007
You got something against this ????"
Posted by parrot2 at 02:55 PM : Aug 14, 2007

The comment I was referring to was loaded with INtolerance. My comment was sarcastic.

[klingon69]

The third club opened in the downtown area of my city. It thrived for quite some time. However local churches were taking members to protest it, taking pictures and videos of patrons going in to the club. They also were taking license plate numbers and posting them on their website. Needless to say, the club closed. What right did they have in interfering with a legitimate business? Why were they not sued for invasion of privacy?

[mike71067]

"It was wine as well that Jesus had his diciples drink and remember Him and His sacrifice. So where do SOME christians get the idea that drinking is tabu???"
-Posted by three-o-six at 02:56 PM : Aug 14, 2007

Consumption of alcohol is not a problem; however, the irresponsible overindulgence, e.g., drinking until you're puking all over yourself and pisssing in the sink, passing out, and waking up next to a fat chick, IS a problem. I'm not in favor of prohibition - it doesn't work. You can't legislate morality. I'm simply anwsering your question.

[terryonolley]

Let's have a standing ovation for the liberals, paraders of "tolerance" and "diversity"!!!
-Posted by mike71067 at 02:53 PM : Aug 14, 2007

I agree 100%! The liberals have tolerance of all -except those religious freaks that want to force their morality on free men and women. And we enjoy the diversity that results when free people's behaviour isn't stifled by religious freak morality.

Great post mikey!

[nolalou]

whoamama1,

The article says local businesses claim " ending the sale of beer, wine and liquor would hurt tax revenues and send the message that Athens is backward." It's not CBS saying that, they are just reporting it!

I never understood why the Christian Right is against sale of alcohol, after all the bible says Jesus turned water into wine, not the other way around!

[mike71067]

"What right did they have in interfering with a legitimate business? Why were they not sued for invasion of privacy?"
-Posted by Klingon69 at 03:03 PM : Aug 14, 2007

They invaded nobody's privacy. Those people were photographed in PUBLIC, and their license plates are PUBLIC information.

[gunownerdan]

It amazes me that there are still a lot of ignorant people out there who actually support prohibition even after the horrible experience of prohibition in the 1920's and 1930's.
I guess they think Al Capone was a good person?

[mike71067]

"I agree 100%! The liberals have tolerance of all -except those religious freaks that want to force their morality on free men and women. And we enjoy the diversity that results when free people's behaviour isn't stifled by religious freak morality."
-Posted by TerryONolley at 03:05 PM : Aug 14, 2007

Another fine example of "diversity" and "tolerance" from the left!!! How do you feel about secular humanists shoving their beliefs down our throats (the ACLU, athiests trying to remove "God" from our pledge and our coins, homosexual activists forcing our public schools to tell our children that homosexuality is an acceptable "alternative lifestyle", etc.)? Are you against that also?

[mike71067]

"Had to Check - since it's coming from Dumbya's Butt. Cheers!"
-Posted by parrot2 at 03:04 PM : Aug 14, 2007

Huh? Was that supposed to be funny? Perhaps it's that "British (aka "not funny") Humor" that I never understood. NPR features alot of it on their elite weekend shows.

[terryonolley]

How do you feel about secular humanists shoving their beliefs down our throats
-Posted by mike71067 at 03:10 PM : Aug 14, 2007

I feel they are just as wrong as the religious freaks trying to shove their hypocritical morality down our throats. The difference between you and me is that I want both sides to stop trying to force their beliefs and just let people live. You only want to stop progressive people. You constatnyl defend a single religion's right to impose their will on all people.

[sgtrds]

Come to think of it, it might be better to stop all alcohol sales in all redneck states. Maybe if they'd sobered up a bit they'd have never voted for Bush! I mean drunk, bible beating, incestuous, family marrying, inbred hillbillies ARE his base after all.

;-)

[mike71067]

"I feel they are just as wrong as the religious freaks trying to shove their hypocritical morality down our throats. The difference between you and me is that I want both sides to stop trying to force their beliefs and just let people live. You only want to stop progressive people. You constatnyl defend a single religion's right to impose their will on all people."
-Posted by TerryONolley at 03:16 PM : Aug 14, 2007

Sorry, but you're wrong. How could you possibly know what I want? I don't care who wants to shove their beliefs down my throat. I'm smart enough to know what information is good and what is bulllshit. And most "progressives" (love the name change - I guess "liberal" wasn't working well with average Americans anymore) are full of bulllshit. But they can keep on talking all they want. It's great entertainment!!!

[gunnerv1]

Like in China and Russia, some people just can't handle freedom of choice.

[erasmus6]

klingon69

Hahahaha,poor you. I guess you will just have to settle for smoking your pot.

[mike71067]

"This makes no Sense - saying you don't care what is shoved down your throat (which i believe), still remains your personal opinion and shouldn't be the law ..... Not Caring doesn't change anything, infact if this passes you won't be able to step out and drink - then there'll be increased DWI (people driving a long ways to get to the Liquor)"
-Posted by parrot2 at 03:27 PM : Aug 14, 2007

Sorry, but you're wrong. People can step out to get their booze, perhaps during a weekend shopping trip, then drink it when they get home. Stock up so that you won't have to make too many trips. That's what I would do.

[klingon69]

klingon69

Hahahaha,poor you. I guess you will just have to settle for smoking your pot.
Posted by erasmus6 at 03:33 PM : Aug 14, 2007
Yep, but like I said , one side is wet, one side is dry, just gotta drive across the stateline to get my beer, liqour, wine...etc.

[michellem99-2009]

I am 52. I don't drink for health reasons not church as I don't attend them. I don't care what ye DO in yer homes. I hate booze,beer,wine. I don't drink the stuff nor buy it. So they who live there will have their say. One way or other they vote wet or dry. Don't be dumb. Don't drink and drive.

[mike71067]

"I can afford to do this (don't have these kinds of crazy probs though) but being Alabama, y'know there's folks out there that could not afford to stock up and may just want a drink after a good day or for whatever and they are denied because of some overzealous a-holes who i don't consider to be fellow christians (i think they might be Mormons) ............"
-Posted by parrot2 at 03:57 PM : Aug 14, 2007

If I lived in that part of Alabama, I would seriously consider homebrewing. The beer would taste better, and you are legally allowed to brew lots of it per year - much more than most people can consume.

[patsy2007-2009]

Jeezz.....every time I get a break I log in and OMG, you guys are funny!!!!. You guys trip me out!!!!
Anyway, I do not agree with this s h I t just for one reason: A religion should have any saying in this and they never should, they can make it against the law in their religion but not for others. They want to "vote" they should start by voting to get Bush of Presidency he killed so many soldiers fighting for oil NOW THAT'S AGAINST EVERYONE'S RELIGION.

[motherjones-2009]

Come to think of it, it might be better to stop all alcohol sales in all redneck states. Maybe if they'd sobered up a bit they'd have never voted for Bush! I mean drunk, bible beating, incestuous, family marrying, inbred hillbillies ARE his base after all.

Posted by SgtRDS at 03:16 PM

Well said, SgtRDS. Bravo!

[djpowles]

I'm tolerant of religions, I don't want to start throwing Christians to the lions or anything, I'd just prefer a logical argument to "My deity said nobody should be allowed to have a beer."

[grammawhamma]

"A leader of the petition drive, Gooch urged members of his United Methodist Church to pray and fast on election day and the two days leading up to it."

If they truely fast this long they might be too weak to go to the polls to vote. Cheers!

[kansas1946]

Voters have a chance on Tuesday to return this northern Alabama city to the days of Prohibition.
**********************
I think this statement is a little misleading. During prohibition, the federal government forced every community, state, city, and county, in the United States to go dry whether they wanted to or not.
I think there are probably a number of "dry" counties and communities it the county right now. Benton county (home of WalMart) in Arkansas is dry. People who live there drive to Washington county south, or north to Missouri to buy their booze. I do believe that private clubs can obtain a liquor license there, but I am not really sure about that.
The people in this community have an opportunity to vote on this issue and the majority will rule, so it is hardly like prohibition by constitutional amendment.

[jdubs63]

I am glad I live where I live.Martini Time

[liberalvet]

Consumption of alcohol is not a problem; however, the irresponsible overindulgence, e.g., drinking until you're puking all over yourself and pisssing in the sink, passing out, and waking up next to a fat chick, IS a problem. I'm not in favor of prohibition - it doesn't work. You can't legislate morality. I'm simply anwsering your question.
Posted by mike71067 at 03:04 PM : Aug 14, 2007


If someone drinks until they pass out what about that is hurting you or your so called morals. You religious types are the same....you claim to hold the high ground on morals but all you do is push your beliefs on others. And you comment on FAT CHICKS just emphasis' your discrimination toward anyone that does not agree with your limited view points.

[timantane]

I don't even understand why this is a news story except in podunk Athens Alabama. Big deal, drive to the next redneck town over and buy your booze. I'm sure they'll take your money.

Probably be less people in Church on Sunday morning if they get drunk in the next town over on Saturday night.
I wonder if the DUI rate will go up.

[jdubs63]

LiberalVet..Fat chicks? I bet you have a hugh BEER BELLY

[gunownerdan]

Why are so many "crhistians" such total hypocrites? Jesus, their "lord and savior" was a wine-maker. According to the Bible, Jesus actually turned water into WINE!
Every month when Christians have "communion" to honor their lord and savior with ritualized cannibalism, they drink wine or grape juice to symbolize his blood.
So, as long as you are pretenting to drink the blood of your god, it's OK to drink alcohol?

[gunnerv1]

This is a non issue now, They voted it down, it's still a wet party!

[abbe91]

"We believe that God will honor and bless our city," Gooch said.

And then he reached for the bottle under the sink ...