A large crowd was on hand for a meeting by a Vandalia City Council committee discussing the possibility of expanding liquor licenses. The meeting was held by the Railroad, Economic Development and Tourism Committee on Monday evening, with the discussion about the possibility of expanding liquor licenses to businesses such as conveniences stores, grocery stores and Wal-Mart. TC’s Package Liquor owner Tim McMillan asked the committee while they felt they need to do this. Alderwoman and Committee Chairman Dorothy Crawford states she thought it should have been done years and years ago. Alderman Russ Stunkel said the city is set to embark on a project for a new Water Treatment plant, and he believed this expansion would make for a new revenue source. Both McMillan and Mach 21 Liquor Store Owner John Workman both very much questioned that thinking, saying that didn’t believe this would bring in any added revenue, or at least very little. It was also pointed out that the taxes coming back to the city for liquor sales is only 1%. Stunkel admitted he thought the number was the same as for gaming, which is 5%. Alderman Steve Barker pointed out they are simply at the information gathering state in this process and there is currently no ordinance in place for this expansion. But, Barker did point out there are only 2 package liquor establishments in the community at this time, and he believes they need to look at such expansion. Barker also pointed out that 2 businesses in Vandalia that were brought up-Casey’s General Store and Aldi-are both too close to schools, so they would not be eligible for selling liquor. Wal-Mart Manager Ken Wamble was on hand for the meeting, stating they would be interested in selling if the option was given to them. The manager for the Pilot Truck Stop was also on hand for the meeting, saying they would also be interested in adding liquor sales if it was opened up to their business. The meeting was held at 5:30 pm, leaving just one hour for the meeting before the regular city council meeting. Committee Chair Dorothy Crawford says she was pleased with the information that came out of the meeting.
But, Crawford says she’s not sure what the next step will be. But, she’s hoping for more discussion at the committee level.
Meanwhile, City Administrator LaTisha Paslay gathered information from other neighboring communities on their liquor licenses. And, we’ll look at that coming up tomorrow.
