The Newton Board of Aldermen discussed preparations after a bill signed last month by Governor Tate Reeves gives registered voters in municipalities the opportunity to request a vote on allowing alcohol sales.
During the May 21 meeting, City Attorney Brian Mayo told the board that the passing of Bill 1161 could lead to the city receiving a petition from citizens.
“It is officially law,” Mayo said. “This board could be in a position to receive a petition from its citizens. It requires 20% of registered voters to sign the petition for the board to vote to have an election on permitting liquor stores within the city limits of Newton.”
The new law, set to go into effect on July 1, 2024, states that municipalities in counties that have voted against coming out from under the dry law may hold an election either to prohibit or permit the sale of alcoholic beverages. Such an election shall be permitted in municipalities and ordered by the municipal governing authorities upon the presentation of a petition containing the names of at least 20% of the duly qualified voters of the municipality. The law also states that no election on either question shall be held by any one municipality more often than once in two years.
Alderman Michael Hillie said that those collecting signatures should be aware of the requirements.
“Anybody collecting signatures should realize that when you ask someone to sign the petition, they must be legally registered,” Hillie said. “They are going to check every signature and make sure that they are a registered voter.”
“And they have to live within the city limits of Newton,” added Mayo.
