MILTON — Two opposing nay votes from council members Mary Ellen Johnson and Patsy Lunsford did not keep the City Council from deciding on times to allow alcohol sales within city limits.
The council voted to allow retail and on-premise sales of alcohol from 7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. seven days a week. However, before the alcohol item becomes official, a draft ordinance to change the city’s code of ordinances must pass two council readings.
City Manager Brian Watkins said a draft ordinance would be presented to city leaders during January’s council meeting with a second reading during the February meeting. Each reading will allow for public input.
During the Nov. 8 general election, residents voted in favor of allowing Sunday alcohol sales within Milton city limits. According to the county's supervisor of elections website, 64 percent voted in favor of Sunday alcohol sales and 35 percent voted against the item.
Councilman Alan Lowery originally motioned to allow Sunday alcohol sales from 7 a.m. to midnight, just like each day of the week. After discussion, Lowery amended his motion to allow alcohol sales from 7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. seven days a week.
Restaurateur Glen Hill, who has previously spoken on behalf of allowing alcohol sales on Sundays, suggested the council allow alcohol sales in line with the rest of the county and nearby municipalities.
According to information provided by city staffers, Pensacola allows the sale of alcohol in bars, restaurants and any place that provides purchase of alcohol to sell between 7 a.m. and 3 a.m., seven days a week. In the Navarre Beach area of Santa Rosa Island, alcoholic beverages can be served between 7 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. any day.
“My concern with this is simple,” Hill said. “I think we need to, overall, come up with what is going to be fair across the board for everyone. We need to come up with hours that make us align.”
Hill said Milton’s current Sunday alcohol sales restrictions have driven Milton residents to travel to businesses outside the city to purchase alcohol.
“I understand everyone has a moral obligation and I would not interfere in anyone’s moral obligations as I wouldn’t want you to interfere in mine, but this is a business issue and we need to see it that way,” Hill said.
Hill recommended making alcohol sales available from 7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
The item faced opposition from some residents and council members.
“Jesus Christ is king of kings and lord of lords. He is king over this county and he is king over this council and he is king over everything,” resident Justin Jones said. “It is because of this I cannot stand by and let bad theology rule over this city.”
Jones said, “It wasn’t the government’s responsibility to decide who has a drink at what time and place … an issue the church should handle with their members along with changing hearts and minds.”
Council Member Lunsford shared her stance.
“I have lost too many friends and family because of alcohol,” Lunsford said. “I cannot vote for it in any shape, form or fashion.”
Council Member Ashley Lay questioned whether allowing alcohol sales at such a late hour would cause issues for local law enforcement. She asked Milton Police Chief Tony Tindell to report any significant changes that occur due to the change.
Should any problems arise pertaining to alcohol restrictions, Lowery said the council could revisit and address the issue at any time.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Council sets foundation for alcohol sales ordinance