Three Oklahoma Counties To Consider Liquor By The Drink

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Voters in three south-central Oklahoma counties will decide Tuesday whether to allow bars and restaurants to sell liquor.<br/><br/>An initiative petition led by a group called Garvin

Thursday, November 2nd 2006, 6:13 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Voters in three south-central Oklahoma counties will decide Tuesday whether to allow bars and restaurants to sell liquor.

An initiative petition led by a group called Garvin County Citizens for Economic Development placed the issue on the ballot in that county, and McClain and Murray commissioners quickly followed suit. The three neighboring counties are all along Interstate 35.

Sales of liquor by the drink currently are allowed in 44 of the state's 77 counties. Although the remaining 33 counties are termed dry, the sale of bottled liquor in retail stores and low-point beer at bars or restaurants is allowed.

Proponents of liquor by the drink say a county's "dry" status hinders economic development by keeping bars or restaurants from opening.

But opponents -- mostly members of the religious community -- say the problems associated with increased alcohol consumption far outweigh any benefits.