The consideration of an ordinance to amend the Official Liquor Store District Map for the City of Jackson, failed by a 5-2 vote – with one abstaining – when the Jackson City Council held its monthly meeting at City Hall, Tuesday.
“This will probably be the last conversation the council has on liquor districts,” said Jerry Gist, mayor of Jackson, “It’s come up once before, and this is the second time the council voted to retain the districts as they are, with no changes.”
Council members who voted against amending the district – established in 1972 – were Ernest Brooks II, David Cisco, Vicky Foote, Harvey Buchanan and Charles Rahm.
Those who voted ‘Yes’ were Pepper Bray and Johnny Dodd, with Randy Wallace abstaining.
Councilman Ross Priddy was unable to attend the City Council meeting.
“It has to be a year before discussion, probably longer, so they will stay as they are now.”
The City has two liquor stores in each of the six Jackson districts, but Alan Sallee, who owns Hollywood Liquors at 801 Hollywood Drive, believes the district map is antiquated.
“The population and dynamics have changed since 1972,” Sallee said. “I was looking for an open market, just like any industry in our town. They serve liquor and beer in restaurants, but they don’t set restrictions where (restaurants) can go.”
Sallee, who told the City Council he is losing about $75,000 each year, said he has has owned Hollywood Liquors for about 12 years, and during that time he has seen a change in the neighborhood.
He also added he was looking at property in the Columns on Vann Drive.
“There has been a rapid decline in the population,” Sallee said. “There is no new commercial real estate being developed.”
(PHOTO: Hollywood Liquors, 801 Hollywood Drive)
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