Sale of Cold Beer in Oxford Moves A Step Closer

Board of Aldermen to consider cold beer sales ordinance change at public hearing on August 6 / Photograph by Mike Stanton

Board of aldermen give go ahead to three proposed ordinance changes to be considered at public hearing on August 6.

The sale of refrigerated beer in Oxford moved a step closer to a vote on Tuesday when the mayor and board of aldermen gave the go ahead to draft a new ordinance that would effectively end the prohibition of cold beer sales in off-premise retail locations that has been in effect since the 1960s.

City Attorney Pope Mallette will bring at least three new ordinance changes regarding beer sales before the board for consideration at a public hearing on August 6.

One proposed ordinance would authorize the sale of cold beer at retail outlets and convenience stores in the city. Another ordinance would include the additional option of allowing cold beer sales from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. A third proposal to be read at the public hearing would set a date for any new ordinance governing beer sales to take effect –– should the board elect to extend it beyond the normal 30-day waiting period.

The proposed changes to the local beer ordinance followed a formal appeal by Craddock Oil Company owner David Craddock, the owner of the Circle K convenience store on Highway 6.

The request presented by Oxford attorney Dee Hobbs also was made on behalf of Double Quik convenience store on West Jackson Avenue.

“It’s something our customers want,” said Craddock. “We’re asking the board to consider it.”

Changes to the original ordinance stipulating the sale of unrefrigerated beer gained momentum at a candidate’s forum during the recent city elections. At the time, candidates for mayor and board of aldermen told voters that they either supported an ordinance change that would allow cold beer sales or else would not oppose the move.

“If you want to make a comment (on the issue) be sure and attend the public meeting,” Mayor Pat Patterson told citizens in attendance at the board of aldermen meeting.

Any actual vote on a proposed change to the existing ordinance would be taken at the August 20 board meeting. –– Michael Harrelson, editor, HottyToddy.com

Email Michael Harrelson at michael.harrelson@hottytoddy.com