Referendums

Wildflowers, which is a few blocks from La Familia, agrees with.

Pressley said that people who visit Martinez’ business will likely visit her’s and vice versa.

“Increased revenue in Rossville is good for everybody,” she said.

Increased sales tax revenue from alcoholic beverages will be welcome by the city, as will the funds from for licenses fees. But more importantly, the new ordinance makes Rossville more attractive to entrepreneurs, as being able to sell adult beverages can mean the difference between profitability and being forced to close.

Restrictions on what percentage of sales must come from food rather than alcoholic beverages will

prevent a proliferation of bars, but should not drive restaurateurs away. Instead, the new ordinances might make Rossville attractive to national chain and franchise restaurants who see the potential profits from alcoholic beverage sales as critical for success.

But it will be a few months, at least, before the election results will likely be felt. The city attorney must now draft ordinances that must be presented in two public readings before a final city council vote will make them law.

Only then can applications for necessary licenses be made.

Even so, supporters and city boosters see the result of the referendums being approved last week as just another step in the movement to revitalize Rossville.

Staff writer Josh O’Bryant contributed to this story.