The South Hutchinson City Council refused to fast-track any decision on Sunday liquor sales during Monday’s meeting despite the efforts of a few in attendance that wanted the matter passed immediately.
Greg Dovel, who is opening a liquor and smoke shop in the city, wanted the council to pass Sunday liquor sales last night. New Police Chief Dean Harcrow said Monday that he would rather have the council take time to think about the matter before taking any action — Dovel agreed.
Dovel said he had seen petitions being circulated against Sunday liquor sales and suggested Mayor Luke Herren was behind the effort. He also said Herren told local media that the matter would come up for a public vote. In fact, Herren told Hutch Post that the matter would come up for public vote if it gained enough traction.
Such a vote would have to come by petition or action by the council. Even if the council were to pass an ordinance for Sunday liquor sales, a petition could still be mounted for, or against, the matter. It would be voted on by the public. Dovel and those in favor stressed to the council that the city is losing revenue by not having Sunday liquor sales. Those in favor were hoping to fast-track the matter instead of waiting what could be several months for action or a vote.
(Read more: Hutch Post)