Video: Alcohol To Be Sold In Pontotoc On Friday

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PONTOTOC, Miss. (WCBI) – During a six-week campaign in late summer, emotions ran high over the sale of beer, wine and liquor in Pontotoc. When the dust finally settled, alcohol sales were approved, even if by the narrowest of margins. Now, the sale of both is just hours away.

Last month, Pontotoc aldermen approved rules for the sale of beer and liquor that they feel best fit the city. Mayor Jeff Stafford says the voters’ decision will have a major economic impact on the city.

“More activity as far as people buying more groceries in Pontotoc. We’ve always thought there was a leakage of people going to Tupelo or New Albany, or other towns buying their alcohol and their groceries at the same time,” said Stafford.

Alcohol will be sold Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The licenses are issued by the state of Mississippi and the permits are given by the city. So far, three convenient stores have permits to sell beer and a handful of local restaurants will also begin to sell Friday.

“Once they get their license from Jackson, the city will issue a permit just like you would a coffee shop or clothing store,” Stafford explained.

Eastside 1 Stop has been preparing for the sales to start. The store can begin stocking beer at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

William White, who helps run Eastside 1 Stop, says it’s a good move for the city.

“It’ll be a tax revenue that we’ve never had, the one’s that are going to buy alcohol, let’s pave our streets with that tax money, so to speak, and build our town up,” said White.

The store has installed eight new coolers for the beer and White says they are anticipating a big business boom on Friday.

“Everybody’s excited. I believe a lot of people want to buy just so they can say they bought it on the first day it went legal to buy beer in Pontotoc,” said White.

Pontotoc will also have its first liquor store. Terrie’s Wine and Liquor Store will be opening soon.