Dry Town Reconsiders Alcohol Sales

Theyre one in a few ... But a central Illinois town is still dry. But this election you have a voice in keeping the ban or repealing alcohol sales in Rochester. The town hasnt sold alcohol prior to the prohibitions days. While some say they like it that way ... Others say they need another source of money. Come April 17th .. voters have the chance to vote no ... Which would repeal the ban on alcohol sales. This is a binding referendum ...Restricting bars and liquor stores from setting up shop. However restaurants ... Gas stations, grocery stores and clubs like the KC Hall could sell beer. New development set aside for businesses could attract more restaurants ... But those owners say they want alcohol. And those affected by the sale ... Say this could bring in more dollars for the city. "A lot of people dont come out and eat in Rochester, they go to Springfield because they want to have a beer with their meal or they want glass of wine with their meal" Said Gaetano Gambino, restaurant owner. "We have one of the lowest sales tax bases and part of that is because alot of the population is on the west side. They work in Springfield, they buy in Springfield and they come home and they dont quite get to Rochester businesses." Said Dave Armstrong, Village President. Right now ... There are only two restaurants and a Subway ... Which the mayor says isnt generating enough dollars. He also says if this passes ... The new money could lower property taxes and offer more employment for teens. Its been since 1983 when voters had the chance to to cast their opinion about being a dry town. However you can bring our own booze into restaurants. If it passes next Tuesday ... Itll become effective immediatly.