SPRINGDALE — Buying liquor on Sunday in Tontitown appeared likely, but Springdale’s vote remained uncertain Tuesday night.
A proposal to allow off-premise sales of alcohol on Sunday appeared on ballots in both cities. Each town’s proposal included the sale of beer, wine and liquor from businesses that hold off-premise alcohol licenses from the state. Those businesses could include liquor, convenience, grocery and drug stores.
Washington County released early voting numbers about 8 p.m. Tuesday. In Springdale, 3,679 voted against Sunday sales in early voting, while those voting for sales totaled 3,672.
The totals included partial results from Benton County. About 10 percent of Springdale extends into Benton County.
In Tontitown, 229 voted for Sunday sales in early voting while those voting against sales totaled 198.
In the 2008 general election, 35 percent of all votes cast in the county were early ballots.
Money was the reason both proposals were on the ballot.
Sunday sales would help make up for revenue lost if Benton County allows the retail sale of alcohol, said Jim Phillips, president of the Springdale Liquor Association. Phillips’ family owns all but one liquor store in the city.
Springdale would lose sales tax revenue if Benton County goes wet, Phillips said. Large liquor stores catering to Benton County residents are located near the county line. Those stores bring in sales taxes paid by Benton County residents shopping in Springdale, he said.
Benton and Washington county residents who want to purchase alcohol on Sunday now must drive to Missouri, Oklahoma or Eureka Springs.
Alcohol is served only in private clubs in Benton County. Those clubs must purchase the alcohol sold there from Arkansas liquor stores, usually in Springdale.
The Benton County measure, if approved, would not allow alcohol sales on Sunday. Sunday sales would give an advantage for liquor retailers in Springdale and might increase overall sales, supporters said.
The potential for increased sales tax revenue also motivated the Sunday sales petition in Tontitown, said Mayor Tommy Granata. Out-of-town customers would come to Tontitown to purchase alcohol, he said.
The sale of alcohol on Sundays is not widespread across the state, said Michael Langley, director of the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Administration.
If either proposal passes, stores could begin selling Sunday alcohol as soon as the election is certified. A certification date has not been set, but Nov. 16 has been discussed as a possibility for Washington County, said Tom Lundstrum, commissioner.
Phillips said the Springdale liquor stores owned by his family would not open on Sunday until December, to allow time to set up a work schedule for employees.