Vote to sell alcohol passes 186 vote yes, 134 vote no in Hackleburg election last week

HACKLEBURG — Hackleburg has become the fourth municipality in Marion County to sell alcohol within their respective city limits. The special called election was held Tuesday, April 22, where 310 voters turned out to the polls, along with 10 absentee votes sent in. The results favored for the town to go wet with 186 yes votes and 134 no votes in the election.
Hackleburg Mayor Darryl Colburn was at the senior center, where the election was held, when polls closed.
“The people spoke,” Colburn commented. “They had the final word.
“We obviously understand that some of our residents aren’t in favor of the sale of alcohol in Hackleburg…but the majority voted to approve it, so now we’ll begin the process of all the necessary measures needed to move it forward,” Colburn continued.
“As we navigate through the legalities and setting up ordinances, state law will determine some regulations on where it can be sold, but we’ll definitely be sensitive from the town’s perspective as to where it can be sold.”
Earlier this year, a petition was begun, signed by registered voters, to have a wet/dry election. According to officials, the petition was to include a number of registered voters of at least 30 percent from the last election. Since there were 394 voters, the petition would have had to include 118 names. Since there were 119 names, on Feb. 17, the town council approved to have the election
Even though the vote was yes, businesses are not yet selling alcohol. Colburn mentioned he estimates several months before ordinances are in place to begin selling.
“The town will decide where the proceeds will go,” Colburn added. “The ordinances will have to be set.”
Discussion of these ordinances and proceeds began Monday night, after press time, at the Hackleburg council meeting.
“I want to thank each of the clerks for all their work to help hold this special called election,” Colburn concluded.