OXFORD — Oxford aldermen are considering a proposal to allow cold beer and light wine sales in the city for the first time in 40 years.
And Alderwoman Janice Antonow has suggested aldermen look at allowing off-site beer sales on Sundays.
The board of aldermen will hold public hearing on Aug. 6. The board plans to vote for the proposals on Aug. 20.
Currently Oxford legalizes sales of beer, wine and liquor by the drink in restaurants on a handful of holidays and the Sundays after University of Mississippi home football games. Sunday retail liquor sales are forbidden by state law, and Oxford currently prohibits Sunday store sales of all beer.
Antonow’s proposal would limit Sunday retail beer sales to the same hours as the occasional restaurant sales — 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. She asked that the proposed changes be written so as to be independent of each other.
“We can vote for Sunday or not Sunday, cold or not cold, or neither,” she said.
City Attorney Pope Mallette said the state Alcoholic Beverage Control would not be involved with the change since it does not involve wine or liquor.
Aldermen also asked Police Chief Joey East to look into what other towns have experienced with such sales.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.