McLean Voters to Face Prohibition Issue on Ballot
By: WMBD/WYZZ-TV
Updated: March 12, 2012
McLEAN - The March 20 primary election could mean a new era for the Village of McLean.
It's had a prohibition policy in effect since the 1940's that bans businesses from selling alcohol.
But now some people believe it's time for a change. They collected signatures to get a referendum on the primary ballot.
It asks voters to change the policy and allow for the sale of alcohol in the village.
Opponents fear it could lead to more crime, traffic crashes and bars.
Supporters say people already drink in McLean, but they go buy the alcohol elsewhere.
They think passing the referendum would help the village attract more business and sales tax revenue.
Resident Darlena Krueger said, "It's more about making those opportunities available for additional businesses to come to town. We've had a gas station and another restaurant, both of which sell alcohol, who have expressed interest in coming to town until they found out they couldn't get a liquor license."
There was also a push to end the prohibition policy in 2005. It failed by one vote.
It's had a prohibition policy in effect since the 1940's that bans businesses from selling alcohol.
But now some people believe it's time for a change. They collected signatures to get a referendum on the primary ballot.
It asks voters to change the policy and allow for the sale of alcohol in the village.
Opponents fear it could lead to more crime, traffic crashes and bars.
Supporters say people already drink in McLean, but they go buy the alcohol elsewhere.
They think passing the referendum would help the village attract more business and sales tax revenue.
Resident Darlena Krueger said, "It's more about making those opportunities available for additional businesses to come to town. We've had a gas station and another restaurant, both of which sell alcohol, who have expressed interest in coming to town until they found out they couldn't get a liquor license."
There was also a push to end the prohibition policy in 2005. It failed by one vote.
