Lincoln County voters to consider liquor-by-the-drink

CHANDLER, Okla. (AP) -- Lincoln County voters will consider whether to join 42 other counties in Oklahoma where liquor by the drink is legal.<br/><br/>County commissioners on Tuesday passed a resolution

Friday, September 9th 2005, 6:41 am

By: News On 6

CHANDLER, Okla. (AP) -- Lincoln County voters will consider whether to join 42 other counties in Oklahoma where liquor by the drink is legal.

County commissioners on Tuesday passed a resolution calling for the election, which area grape growers and wine makers support.

The Lincoln County Grape Growers Association has agreed to pay the estimated $6,500 to $7,500 in costs for the special election.

Association president Don Neal says if the county is going to promote tourism it makes sense that restaurants be allowed to sell the association's products.

District 2 Commissioner James Melson says commissioners are staying neutral about the issue. Melson says he understands the plight of local grape growers and wine makers and supports their efforts to boost tourism.

Liquor by the drink was defeated by a 65-percent majority when it was last considered on June 3rd, 1986.