'Alcohol Expo' is a Go

Update: 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday

Kyle Whitaker, Karen Barnett and Michael Zenchuk voted to approve the alcohol store while Jeremy Smith and Dee Phillips opposed. 

Original Report

This fight isn't over.

About 100 people and five churches came to the meeting tonight to protest the approval of a liquor license for Hickory Liquor & Wine Co. to be located at 6115 Hickory Flat Highway. 

Earlier this month, Mark Farist, a teacher, saying it was too close to schools, teen hangouts and his house.

For this meeting, Farist called members from his church, who called members of other churches to come to the meeting and wear "NO" stickers and hold "What would Jesus do?" signs.

Others protested on grounds that this would turn people into alcoholics. Bud Rolander, a New Hope Baptist Church member, said his father was an alcoholic. 

"I don't want to see anyone in that shape, especially around a high school," Rolander said. 

Their campaign started at the door by handing out stickers for those who opposed opening a store. When the council voted to approve the license, the crowd erupted into talking with shouts like "That greedy son-of-a-gun" and "I'm glad I don't live in this city."

Others gathered out front after the meeting, standing on the planters to organize the next step which may include getting an injunction from a judge. 

But is there any substance to their argument? 

The vote was swift, but Farist was handing out copies of a letter from his lawyer, David L. Walker, Jr., to City Attorney Bobby Dyer. 

In the letter, Walker said the letter is in an inappropriate location and that the applicant misled the public by not posting that they wanted to occupy several suites, more than 8,000 square feet of retail space.

That back room of no-voters spoke in sheer numbers that they wouldn't be quieted so easily. In the flash meeting outside City Hall, protestors were organizing Facebook groups and contact lists.

Other than that, the newest city council member was sworn in.

Welcome to Holly Springs,