BY DEIRDRE PARKER SMITH
SALISBURY POST

SPENCER - Alderman agreed Tuesday to investigate a special election on the question of allowing ''mixed beverage'' sales in Spencer.

Nick Bishop, chair of Spencer Partnership, a volunteer board that coordinates and promotes events in town, asked the Board of Aldermen Tuesday night to consider a referendum on mixed beverage - or liquor by the drink - sales.

Spencer voters narrowly defeated the same proposal in 1995.

Without much response from aldermen Tuesday night, Bishop explained that people in town have been asking for it.

Bishop said the Partnership board's diverse membership, all ages, all occupations, agreed to ask for a vote.

''We think it's an economic tool, and there's interest from citizens,'' Bishop said.

He suggested a ballot item during the November elections or a special election on that issue alone.

Mayor Buddy Gettys said he didn't want it on the November ballot, because then it becomes a campaign issue.

Aldermen Pat Nelson, former chairman of the Rowan County Board of Elections, said a separate election may not cost that much, but would take about 90 days to set up.

Cautiously, Mayor Pro Tem Tim Witkowski said he would like to investigate the election, and Alderman Joseph Cataldo agreed. Nelson said Rivers Lawther, town attorney, should look into the election process.

In general discussion, aldermen seemed concerned that a vote on mixed beverages would force them to take a position during election time, and that it should be a vote of the people.

If the town board schedules an election, Nelson told Bishop some group, such as the Partnership, needs to carry the campaign.

The only action the board took was to investigate the cost and procedure for an election.

Bishop said the commercial future of Spencer looks bright, with increased tourism at N.C. Transportation Museum at Spencer Shops and the probable redevelopment of Park Plaza. Ideally, a motel or restaurant might locate in town when tourism becomes more of an industry.

In 1995, citizens rejected sales of mixed drinks by a margin of 39 votes. The issue was on the November election ballot, causing candidates to choose their words carefully when discussing it.

Bishop, president of the Spencer Business Association in 1995, suggested the issue go on the November ballot in that election year. The board agreed 5-1. Community opposition developed, however, along with the resignation of Ralph Massey, owner of Rowan Furniture, from the business group.

As it did in 1995, Spencer has an ABC store, along with beer and wine sales in grocery stores and local restaurants. No restaurant has brown bagging.