Ordinance Could Legalize Beer, Wine Sales in Maben

Maben, a small town spanning two counties in Mississippi, is contemplating an ordinance to permit the sale of beer and light wine. The Maben Board of Aldermen held a public hearing on Monday to review the order, which would establish regulations for selling alcoholic beverages within town limits.

The State Legislature awarded Maben “qualified resort status” during the previous legislative session. This classification allows the board to issue and regulate alcohol sales. Attorney for the Maben Board of Aldermen, Walter Zinn, clarified aspects of the proposed ordinance at the public hearing.

Resort Status Boosts Local Economy

Appealing to his constituents, Mayor Larry Pruitt expressed that the move aims to draw in revenue through sales tax. Moreover, the mayor hopes that this change may attract further developments such as eateries and hotels. “We need to bring in more sales tax dollars to Maben,” Mayor Pruitt affirmed, highlighting the town’s financial loss to surrounding counties.

Usually, a community shift from ‘dry’ to ‘wet’ requires an election. But, the qualified resort area designation allows municipalities to pass local legislations facilitating alcohol sales. Maben is uniquely located in both Oktibbeha and Webster counties. Its new status helps bypass the need for a potentially complicated election.

Aiming For Economic Growth

Attorney Zinn acknowledged the town’s unique position, stressing its distinctions from the statute provisions of both counties. He revealed that he consulted representatives from other cities that have already achieved the qualified resort designation. This interaction informed the crafting of Maben’s proposed ordinance.

The board selected specific revisions to the proposed ordinance during the public hearing. These include allowing ‘drive-thru beer barns’ and advertising of products outside commercial establishments. Both of which were initially banned in the draft ordinance.

Moving Forward

The Aldermen are scheduled to vote for the ordinance during their regular board meeting on August 5th. If the ordinance passes, businesses intending to sell beer and light wine would need to secure a retail permit from the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Moreover, the board can grant special use permits for regulated alcohol sales at approved gatherings.

Mayor Pruitt mentioned that Maben residents have been requesting the permission of beer and light wine sales. Evidently, the city would greatly benefit from the additional taxes these sales could generate. “Somebody’s going to buy it, and it’s going to bring taxes in,” he shared. This move may also create an environment inviting to new restaurants, a sentiment reflected in a possible restaurant deal previously turned down due to the inability to serve beer alongside meals.

In conclusion, Maben, through its qualified resort status, hopes to revamp its town’s economy and identity not just as a town but potentially a resort area. As Mayor Pruitt opines, “it’s not about getting rich over beer and light wine, but allowing the town’s benefits extended to greater causes.”