Will Wylie Area Allow Alcohol?
By: Brittany Pelletz/Laura Kellerman
Updated: March 26, 2009
The City Council has taken steps toward allowing citizens to vote on alcohol sales in the Wylie area of Abilene. The section of south Abilene was annexed in 1978, after Abilene voters decided to allow alcohol sales in town.
City council voted today to support the two bills being proposed in the Texas Legislature which would allowing citizens to vote to change or to keep the annexed portion dry.
The council's vote was unanimous, but one vocal citizen fought to keep things the way they are. Legalizing alcohol sales, he said, would open the door for more bars like the Lucky Mule, which hosted a "Pimps and Hoes" party last night.
"We don't need more of that, and any chance you get not to make it easier, I hope you'll consider it and vote for the families," he said.
The reason for the bill, presented by Rep. Susan King and supported by council members, is that the city hopes to see economic development in the Wylie area, and being able to sell booze would likely contribute to that.
But some citizens are concerned about the potential problems it could cause.
If the law is passed and citizens approve the measure, it would open the door for liquor stores, bars, and alcohol sales at hotels in that part of town.
