Petition inches closer to being placed on ballot

According to Diana South of the Jasper County Clerk's office, a petition turned in to legalize the sale of alcohol has more than 400 verified signatures through Tuesday, Feb. 19.

The Jasper Citizens for Better Business turned in a petition Feb. 8 to the Jasper County Clerk's office calling for a local option election on alcohol sales in the city.

South said there are more than 20 pages of signatures left to be verified and she expects to go through them this week.

The committee needs 450 verifiable signatures to be placed on the city of Jasper's May ballot.

One issue will allow the legal sale of beer and wine only in places like grocery and convenience stores. The second issue will legalize alcohol sales in state recognized restaurants, thus eliminating the unicard or private club requirements.