Petitioner Obtains Enough Signatures for Package Store Referendum

Earlier this year, .

Weaver needed to obtain signatures from 35 percent of the city’s registered voters (approximately 900 voters) and have the signatures verified by the state in order for the issue to be put to a referendum.

According to a post by Mayor Jimmy Wilbanks on the City of Dacula website, Weaver has succeeded.

"A petition drive (not an initiative of the City Council) began in April 2012, and the petitioner for a referendum for retail package sales has collected enough registered/validated voter signatures to require a special election to determine the will of the electorate about package sales of distilled spirits within Dacula," Wilbanks wrote.

The earliest the referendum could be held is Nov. 6, 2012, Wilbanks wrote.

In an , Mayor Wilbanks explained that if voters approve the measure, several steps would have to be taken before a package store could open within the city limits. The city’s alcohol ordinance would first have to be revised. The city would then begin the process of vetting applications, approving licensees and submitting required paperwork to the state. At a minimum, a petitioner would then have to go through the development permit/building permit process, apply for an occupational tax certificate and pass subsequent inspections required for the issuance of an occupational tax certificate, Wilbanks indicated. 

Are you glad the question of whether or not a package store should be allowed within the city limits will be put before the voters? Would you like to see a package store built in Dacula? Let us know in the comments.