County’s citizens deserve more info

Commissioner Larry Roberts recommended at a recent meeting of the Randolph County Commission that the county prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages within 500 feet of churches, schools, hospitals and clinics––property line to property line.

Acknowledging that the commission lacks the power to do this, he said the commission should ask for local legislation to set the distance limits in Randolph County, although there is some question about whether or not this can be done. Whether it can or cannot be done through legislation, what is lacking is an explanation to the public as to why it should be done.

Has a problem arisen with specific businesses in proximity to each of these named institutions? If that’s the case, then those problems should be discussed and addressed on a case by case basis, but other businesses that are complying with the law and causing no problems should not be penalized by arbitrary restrictions placed on their ability to operate their businesses.

The citizens of Randolph County deserve an explanation of why prohibiting alcohol sales within 500 feet of the property line of the specified entities is needed. Why not 300 feet? Why not auto body shops or pet grooming facilities?

Randolph County citizens voted by a substantial margin to allow the legal sale of alcoholic beverages in the county. If there are compelling reasons for now restricting sales to certain locations, let’s discuss it in an open meeting. Let those arguing for restrictions make their case, and let’s also hear from those opposed to those restrictions. Then let’s vote on it during the next scheduled election.

Anything less will seem like a thwarting by other means of the expressed will of Randolph County voters.