Liquor

legalization advocate Lane Brown says he probably

will know by today whether he will continue to

pursue a pouring license referendum for this

November's election or wait for next March.

"I'm

running out of time," Brown said this week.

"Signatures [on a petition to place liquor

on the ballot] are coming in but there coming in

slower than I had hoped. I've got to get it to

the city and get it certified and

advertised."

Brown

is working to get enough signatures on a petition

to force a referendum. State law requires that an

election be conducted if 35 percent of those

voting in the most recent election sign a

petition to that effect.

He

currently is working to get about 1,740

signatures on the petition, but if he fails to

get the measure on the ballot in November, then

the number of signatures required may change

based on the number voting Nov. 2.

"If

I don't get it in November, then we'll do it in

March," Brown said. The city will have a

presidential preference primary in March.

An

election must be called soon after the petition

is presented, but Brown said he won't force a

special election. He'll hold onto the petition

until the referendum can coincide with a regular

election to insure a higher turnout, he said.

"I

don't want to rush this thing," he added.

"I want to do it right."

Recent

publicity has brought out numerous volunteers who

want to help with the legalization campaign,

Brown said. "I've had a slew of people

calling up wanting to help," he said.

It

also has brought out opposition. An organization

calling itself Fayetteville Citizens who Love

Fayetteville Without Alcohol is organizing to

campaign against legalization of liquor by the

drink, whenever it is may be presented to voters.

To

sign the petition or help with the legalization

campaign, phone 770-460-6806.

To

join the campaig n

against legalization, phone Sharon Shank at

678-776-8019

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