Effingham County neighbors will cast their vote for more than just president in next week’s super Tuesday primary.
 
They will also decide whether liquor by the drink should be allowed in restaurants there.

Effingham is one of a handful of “dry” counties in Georgia—although that is a bit of a misnomer because you can still buy beer and wine—just not hard liquor like whiskey.

Those in favor of the referendum hope liquor by the drink will attract new restaurants and perhaps even lessen their tax burden—along with being able to get a cocktail if they so desire when they go out for a meal.

Tonight we take a look at both sides of this contentious issue in a News 3 special report: liquor, restaurants and Effingham County.

Mayor Ken Lee says, “It's kind of removed from the traffic, removed from the crime, kind of removed from the big city problems that you might find.  And we kind of like that.”

Most people do.  Brenda Honeycutt moved her family to Effingham County about three years ago for the same reasons that most other folks have.

"We just wanted to get out of the city-- out of the traffic and the crime and the schools.  she was still in high school when we moved out here so that was a big consideration, too.”

Brenda likes the good schools and feels safe—but there’s one thing that frustrates her—she would like a better choice of restaurants like Savannah has.

 “We burn a lot of gas driving to savannah, so i would love to eat closer to home.”

Charlie Kea with the Community Progress Council of Effingham says, “The first thing that folks ask when they come out of church on Sundays is, Where do you want to eat? And you've only got two options. Usually Grandma’s house or you travel to Savannah.”

Charlie Kea leads an effort to try and change that. Kea believes potential profits from liquor by the drink would bring restaurant owners running and keep residents from driving and spending their money elsewhere.

 “When we do travel into Chatham we leave a tremendous amount of tax dollars in Chatham County and we would like to recoup those dollars.

Restaurant owner Frank Bill is all for that—despite the possibility it could one day bring him more competition.

“I think that it will bring a lot of revenue to the town which could help out taxes, property taxes, maybe parks roads its just going to bring a lot of revenue to the area.”

But many people simply aren’t buying it.

Bob Rogers says, “The folks that are promoting liquor say that we are voting on restaurants we are voting on having bars and liquor.”

Pastor Bob Rogers and dozens of other church leaders have banded together to try and bring the referendum to a screeching halt.

“We have a community that people have moved to because its a safer place.  a place with good schools. A family-oriented community. Why would we want to be just like anybody else?”

Charlie Kea says, “It’s not a matter of religion.  Everyone can still maintain their moral convictions. And if you want to drink you can drink.  If you don't want to you are not going to drink.  It’s just that simple, but when we see the benefits of the community just rounding out the businesses that are here.  I think everyone can see it it’s just needed.

While some folks would gladly drink to that—it’s clear that hard liquor is still a hard sell here in Effingham County.

So much in fact that the last time this came up for a vote in 2003 it was soundly defeated. Tonight on news three at 11: find out why some people question whether it will really make that much of a difference in whether more restaurants come to Effingham County.

“We don't have to lure restaurants here by allowing them to sell us alcohol.”

And keep in mind if you live in Rincon or Springfield you will have to vote in both your city and in the county. We’ve put polling places as well as interviews and other information on our website. 

Both sides seem to agree they would like a few new restaurants to choose from and both also say that’s important that people get out and vote.

Related article:
Would liquor-by-the-drink attract restaurants to Effingham?

Two sides to the story, with video - click here for our special section with voting info