Published: October 09, 2008 10:28 pm      

Alliance is backing Russell alcohol issue

ASHLAND — The Ashland Alliance board of directors has added its voice in support of a ballot issue in Russell to allow limited alcohol sales in restaurants.

The board voted almost unanimously in favor of a resolution backing the proposed ordinance, said alliance president Jim Purgerson. Of 16 members at the meeting Thursday, 15 voted for the resolution and Russell Mayor William Hopkins abstained, Purgerson said.

“We look at this as an economic development issue,” Purgerson said. “We think it will enhance restaurant development in Russell.”

If the issue passes Nov. 4, restaurants that seat at least 100 and derive at least 70 percent of their revenue from food would be permitted to serve liquor by the drink. Bars and liquor stores would not be permitted.

Limiting sales to restaurants makes the issue more palatable to more people, including alliance members, Purgerson said.

A recent survey of the 600 alliance members yielded 108 responses, of which 101 were favorable, five opposed and two had no opinion.

The alliance resolution is a sign the business community recognizes the need for growth, said Steve Blair, who is coordinating the campaign to pass the issue.

“We really want all the local leaders to get behind this, and local businesses too,” he said.

Blair is a consultant to RD Management, which owns and develops the Russell Centre plaza at the intersection of U.S. 23 and Diederich Boulevard. A national company wants to build a restaurant there, but only if it can sell alcohol.

Blair won’t identify the restaurant but said several chains are interested in the center.

Most chain eateries require alcohol sales, Purgerson said. “It’s a fact of life.”

The issue involves only the three Russell precincts; the rest of Greenup County would remain dry.

MIKE JAMES can be reached at mjames@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2652.