No beer, wine sales for this year's county fair
The Anna City Council decided last week not to proceed with action that could have allowed for the sale of beer and wine at the Union County Fair.
The matter was addressed at a regular meeting of the city council which was held Tuesday evening, June 7. The sparsely attended meeting was held at Anna City Hall.
The sale of beer and wine had been proposed by fair officials as a way to generate much-needed revenue.
A proposal to offer such sales had been presented just prior to the start of the 2015 Union County Fair. The proposal was presented again this spring to city officials.
Under current guidelines, alcohol is prohibited at the Anna City Park. The park serves as the home of the county fair each August.
Fair officials are looking for ways to boost revenue in light of a lack of state support.
After discussing the matter for about 15 minutes during the June 7 meeting, Mayor Steve Hartline declared that it was time for the council to act on the matter.
The mayor noted that "basically, what they're asking for is a special event license."
Fair board members have consistently said that beer and wine sales would be strictly controlled. The sales would be contracted to a local business person.
The mayor asked if a motion would be made for the council to act to amend the city's liquor ordinance and then move forward on the possible sale of beer and wine at the fair.
Council member Brandon Bierstedt then made a motion to direct the city attorney to draft such an amendment.
A roll call vote followed, with council members David Isom, Al Kamp and Martha Ann Webb voting no on the motion. Bierstedt and Mayor Hartline voted yes.