On Tuesday, voters will be asked to decide whether Bourbon County’s law regarding food sales in alcohol establishments should be required.
The question for Bourbon County reads, “Shall the sale of alcohol liquor by the individual drink in Bourbon County, Kansas, be allowed in public places without a requirement that any portion of their gross sales be from the sale of food?”
Currently, 30 percent of gross sales must be from the sale of food in drinking establishments.
Members of Interdenominational Ministries of Bourbon County say the law should not be changed.
“My biggest concern is all the hotels in town can become bars,” Amanda Gilmore, member of the ministry said. “Anybody can open a bar on a corner. I’m just thinking, is that really good economic growth for Bourbon County because wouldn’t that be too great of competition since we already have multiple establishments that offer liquor? Wouldn’t that already be hurting Sharkey’s and Nate’s or Crooner’s and Holmtown? I can’t even imagine being able to support another establishment that offers liquor just from a logical standpoint.”
(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)