By Jessie Burchette
Salisbury Post
CHINA GROVE ó Residents here will get to vote on liquor by the drink in November after two aldermen changed their minds about putting a referendum on the ballot.
In June, the Board of Aldermen rejected a referendum on a 3-2 vote.
Aldermen Allen Welter brought the issue back and got it put on the agenda Tuesday night.
“Let’s put it on the ballot and let the public decide,” said Aldermen Butch Bivens.
Troy Elliott and Harold Simpson ó who had voted against the measure in June ó changed their positions and voted with Welter and Bivens to put the issue on the ballot.
Mayor Pro Tem Blair Lyseski, a minister, cast the lone vote against.
Elliott said he will vote against liquor by the drink and cited the ill effects of liquor. But Elliott said he doesn’t want to deny town residents the right to vote.
Town officials have said that liquor by the drink is essential to attract some restaurants and developments.
The referendum is believed to be the first time China Grove has had a liquor-by-the-drink vote.
Contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254 or jburchette@salisburypost.com.