Kroger is among several businesses that will sell alcoholic beverages, specifically beer and wine, within the city limit. Hartselle voted to go wet in the November 8, 2016 election. | Lauren Estes

City hall receives four alcohol applications on opening day

Lauren Estes

Hartselle Enquirer

The Hartselle City hall received four alcohol license applications on Jan. 3, which was the first day to apply since the vote passed in November.

Kroger spokesperson Melissa Eads said the Hartselle location submitted their paperwork for both wine and beer licenses. According to several signs displayed within their soft drink and sports beverage aisles, Kroger plans to host a variety of wine once their application is approved.

“Kroger has applied for the beer and wine licenses and once we hear back and get approved we will begin selling it within the Hartselle location,” Eads said. “It’s been a requested item for some time and we expect it to be a popular item. We were told it could take up to 45 days to receive the license.”

Hartselle City Council President Kenny Thompson had previously stated that he reached out to Cullman where their voters legalized alcohol and sales began in 2011. Cullman has one of the toughest alcohol ordinances in the state, which bans signage in storefronts and sales of single containers. Hartselle’s plan is to also have a tough ordinance.

According to Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper, the Driving Under the Influence (D.U.I.) arrests have actually decreased since the City of Cullman voted to allow alcohol sales.

“The D.U.I’s have went down since the city starting selling alcohol,” Culpepper said. “Even though we made have had a slight increase in other categories like public intoxication, the decrease in D.U.I’s is good.”

Cullman has a population just slightly higher than Hartselle at 15,030 residents to Hartselle’s 14,466 residents. According to a Cullman Times article: “In five years, beer and liquor taxes have generated over $4 million, with the city keeping its alcohol tax revenue in a separate account outside the main general fund.” Hartselle’s estimated boost in revenue is around $400,000 a year.

The wet-dry vote took place on election day, Nov 8, 2016, where the wet vote was victorious 3,791 to 3,032 votes.

Hartselle El Portal manager Ernesto Salazar said both El Portal Restaurants would be submitting alcohol applications for their two locations.

Freight House owner Sandra Sowder said she did not apply for an alcohol license on Jan 3, but has not committed one way or another to the idea.

“I’m not saying I won’t apply and have it here, I just haven’t decided yet,” Sowder said. “I’ve been busy with other things and I’m just not sure yet.”

Hartselle residents Christy Vest and Daphne Tabis both felt the revenue increase from the alcohol sales will be beneficial for the city.

“I approve it, however I’m not a big drinker,” Vest said. “I approve and promote educating our children about alcohol even more. The world is filled with temptation of evil things so teach your children well and don’t be susceptible to evil in anything that you do.”

Tabis said she looks forward to seeing the growth that Hartselle could potentially receive from the boost in revenue.

“I am excited to see the changes that come form the anticipated tax revenue,” Tabis said. “I hope the city has a plan to use it wisely. I am also looking forward to the prospect of new restaurants, while still supporting our current and locally owned eateries. My hope is that alcohol sales will be of great benefit to Hartselle while allowing us to maintain the small town feel we love.”

Another resident, John Griffith said alcohol has always been consumed in Hartselle, and now, instead of paying other municipalities for the privilege, Hartselle’s general funds can benefit from it.

Hartselle City Clerk Rita Lee said they could not provide the list of the individual businesses that had applied for alcohol licenses, but that four applications had been put in to be able to sell alcohol.