If you thought the discussion

over a possible referendum allowing liquor by the drink in Tyrone was

over, think again.

At last Thursday's Town Council

meeting, Tyrone resident Connie Bogenschutz came before the council during

the public comment portion of the meeting with a petition. The petition

was signed by 77 residents, most just from the area around her subdivision,

who would like to see a liquor by the drink referendum on the ballot.

"Some of the people I

spoke with aren't sure of which way they would vote, said Bogenschutz.

"But they would like to have the chance to vote."

Other people attending the

meeting said she could bring her petition by their subdivisions as well

to gather more signatures, though that may not be necessary.

Many of the council members

were only against a liquor by the drink referendum because they had not

heard from anybody in town supporting the idea. Thanks to the petition

they see that there is some interest from the citizens of Tyrone and will

allow people on both sides of the issue to discuss it at the next town

council meeting, Aug. 21, before putting the issue to bed.

"I am more than willing

to reconsider," said Councilman Paul Letourneau, who wanted to make

sure that people also knew the specifics of the proposed referendum. The

main thrust of the referendum is that a establishment would have to get

a minimum of 55 percent of their income from food sales, meaning that

a bar would not be able to come in to town.

Bogenschutz was not the only

member of the public to speak in favor of the referendum. James Walton

addressed the council and stated that he would like the opportunity to

vote and voice his opinion as well.

"My wife and friends enjoy

a margarita from time to time and we shouldn't have to leave town and

spend our money elsewhere to get one," said Walton. Bogenschutz agreed

with Walton. "Tyrone is growing both residentially and commercially.

We need to have an upscale dining choice and if liquor by the drink is

allowed Tyrone will generate additional tax revenue."

Citizens of Tyrone will get

to weigh in on both sides of the issue at the Aug. 21 meeting and, if

there is sufficient interest on both sides, they will get to weigh in

at the polls as well.

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