New alcohol measures could be on Effingham’s ballot soon

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - This November a potential liquor law is on the ballot in Effingham County.

Rincon leaders have proposed a referendum that if passed would allow liquor stores to operate within city limits.

It’s not the first time a liquor referendum has been on the ballot in Effingham County but it is the first major measure since Springfield approved a similar law over two years ago.

Now, Rincon voters get to decide if bottles of booze belong on store shelves in their City.

“For a long time, we held out, and we did the right thing,” said Kevin Exley, Mayor, City of Rincon. “But now, I think the right thing is to move forward with this.”

City leaders say local liquor stores will collect more money from alcohol taxes that surrounding cities like Port Wentworth and Springfield are receiving instead.

“We want you to spend your money here,” said Exley. “We want our citizens to have a direct route, and we don’t want people driving through to go get something to go back to another area.”

Some residents believe easy access to hard liquor isn’t worth the headache.

Steve Grant, the pastor at Bryant Temple Church in Rincon, says he would prefer not to see the referendum pass, but if it does, his sermons will stay the same.

“The world is changing,” said Grant. “Things is being introduced. You can’t stop it, but you have to be true and strong within your own self not to participate.”

Addiction and recovery counselor Anisa Grantham with Rincon Recovery says more liquor stores could cause suffering alcoholics to relapse.

If liquor stores start running in Rincon, Grantham hopes City leaders will pour money in recovery resources as well.

“Take the same amount of money and invest it in education, invest it in prevention, invest it in access to care,” said Grantham.

Mayor Exley says just like with drinking the city’s plan for the number of liquor stores will be kept in moderation.

Three stores selected in a lottery system will be allowed to operate in Rincon.

The lucky liquor business owners must be qualified and here to stay.