Flatwoods votes to go wet, allowing alcoholic beverages in city limits
FLATWOODS Flatwoods residents took to the polls Tuesday, giving the green light to alcohol sales in city limits.
A ballot measure specifically for Flatwoods citizens comfortably passed with 162 votes, which will now allow restaurants to serve by the drink, three liquor licenses for carry-outs to sell alcoholic beverages and gas stations to sell beer. A total of 741 voters were in favor of the measure.
Buford Hurley, Flatwoods Mayor, said it’s a matter of time for the city to see growth. Out of Greenup County’s eight cities, six are now wet, leaving Worthington and Wurtland as the only two cities in the county dry, he said.
“You are going to see the opportunity this is going to open up in the next three or four years,” Hurley said. “Just give us time. You will see some change in Flatwoods in the coming years.
“The voters decided it, the people spoke; it was all 100% them. It’s passed, now the council’s job is to regulate it with ordinances and my job is to enforce those ordinances,” said the mayor.
Chase Dooley, 28, said he hit the green light for the sale of alcoholic beverages because he believes the city would benefit tremendously from the tax revenue.
“Alcohol sales in Flatwoods is a good thing,” Dooley said. “I think it will bring in a bunch of tax revenue. Why would we send those tax dollars to Boyd or Greenup County? Don’t get me wrong, those communities need that revenue as well, but why would we miss out on that revenue to benefit Flatwoods citizens?”
In Kentucky, Hurley said, law enforcement all comes down to general fund that pays for parks, recreation, senior centers and city buildings.
“All of that comes out of that same fund — that pool of money,” he said. “… There is a lot of misconception or lies that there is no revenue off of that and it doesn’t help the government. Well, it does. The money we receive off of that will help offset some cost in law enforcement.
“It’s going to be really good for economics, but there are a lot of people that don’t believe that.”
Diego Ortiz, one of the co-owners of Taco Brothers in Flatwoods, expressed his thanks to the community and said with the passing of the measure, margaritas and beers can soon be sold at the location.
“We are very happy. Thank you to the community for the support, now they can buy alcohol locally. We are going to have more opportunities to bring more people to work ... just more options” (for the customers),” Ortiz said.
“Taco Brothers really did a lot of groundwork. Kudos to them,” Hurley added.
Gas stations in Flatwoods can expect to see alcohol hit the shelves in 60 days, Hurley said.
A total of 1,320 votes were cast.
