CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Construction has already begun on liquor store in Winona

Construction has already begun on liquor store in Winona

By Hayley Wielgus

For the first time in 70 years, alcohol can be legally sold in part of Smith County. Voters approved a proposition that allows the sale of beer, wine and liquor for off-premise consumption in the City of Winona.

Less than 24 hours after voters approved the proposition, a liquor store was already in the works.

"I think it's great," Winona Mayor Rusty Smith said. "I think it shows progress.  That's what we we're looking for with the passage of this, was to get more retail in the area. Construction has started."

Smith endorsed the alcohol proposition as a way to help the small city grow. He's glad to see it has piqued an interest in new development.

"We're getting phone calls already, people coming in looking at property, trying to find out what property is for sale," Smith said.

The owner of the property where the liquor store is being built, Andy Osborn, said he's been waiting months to finally get the okay from voters to start construction new business. He's building a wholesale liquor store that will also sell directly to walk up customers.

"I hope we will not limit our idea of growth to alcohol-related businesses," said Tony Watson of the Keep Winona Dry Committee. "Even the "for" side said they see this as a gateway to hopefully draw more businesses."

Watson strongly opposed alcohol sales but now that the proposition has passed, he said it's time to work together.

"It's up to us, the people on the "no" side, to show our character now and not walk around saying, 'I hope this fails,' but to still be concerned about the growth of our community," Watson said.

The owner of the only current convenience store in Winona said he has not decided if he will sell alcohol.  The owner of a new grocery store slated to open this month, Wildcat 1-Stop-Shop, said he would like to sell alcohol but still has to finalize his business.

If there is an alcohol seller in the county, the state requires all restaurants with a mixed beverage permit to buy from that store.  For now, Osborn's store will be the only distributor in Smith County.