Cocktails for Chatham?
by Jennifer Strom
Chatham County's business community and its slow-growth citizen groups have fought contentious battles over suburban sprawl and economic development priorities over the last decade, but members of both sides have allied behind one mission: A call for mixed drinks.
During early voting now under way, and at polls on May 5, citizens have the chance to agree or disagree with a change that would allow hard liquor by the glass in Chatham establishments. With the exception of a few places that hold special permits, Chatham restaurants and bars currently may sell only beer and wine on site.
| Here's a look at the issue, by the numbers | |
| 2 | Number of referendum committees campaigning for the change |
| 0 | Number of referendum committees campaigning against |
| 3,254 | Dollars raised by committee Positive Revenue Options (PRO) from contributors, including the Distilled Spirits Council, a national lobby group based in Washington, D.C., ($2,000); and local restaurant and bars, such as Pittsboro's Carolina Brewery ($250), City Tap ($200) and Virlie's restaurant ($100). The second group, People's Alliance for Spirit Sales (PASS), has raised $195 from individuals, $100 of which came from Pittsboro Mayor Randy Voller, an organizer of both PACs. |
| 37,000 | Dollars the county expects to spend on the special election |
| 951 | Number of voters who had cast their ballots in early voting as of April 27 |
| 101 | Number of active, permanent alcohol permits of all types registered in Chatham County |
| 306 | Equivalent number of permits in Orange County |
| 917 | Equivalent number of permits in Durham County |
| 2,252 | Equivalent number of permits in Wake County |
Proponents are planning a rally with food and live music Friday, May 1, at Piedmont Biofuels in Pittsboro; see chathamvote4mixedbeverages.org for more info.
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