EAGLEVILLE, Tenn. — The rural town of Eagleville is preparing for a significant decision in the upcoming November 5th election, one that could change the town’s retail landscape. Voters will have the opportunity to decide whether package liquor stores will be allowed to open within city limits, marking a big moment in the small community’s history.
Eagleville, located at the border of Williamson and Marshall Counties, previously approved liquor-by-the-drink four years ago. Now, the decision shifts to retail alcohol sales, with the possibility of package stores — or outlets that sell pre-packaged liquor, wine, or beer — becoming a part of the town's future. But before a liquor store can even be considered, residents must vote in favor of the referendum, a measure that only made it to the ballot after 10% of voters from the most recent gubernatorial election signed a petition supporting its inclusion. The deciding vote will be made on November 5, 2024.
State law requires that towns like Eagleville, with populations over 700, meet specific criteria before a package store can open, including a majority vote in favor of the measure. Should voters approve the idea, it could also pave the way for high-gravity brewing, a process for producing beer with a higher alcohol content, pending further licensing from the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC).
As early voting starts on October 16th, residents will not only be voting on the liquor store referendum but also weighing in on various local and national races, including three seats on the Eagleville City Council. Elsewhere in Rutherford County, LaVergne voters will elect two new members to their Board of Aldermen, while Smyrna residents will select three new Town Council members.
Beyond the local level, voters will help decide the state’s representation, casting ballots for seats in the Tennessee House of Representatives and the Tennessee Senate, including District 14, currently held by Shane Reeves. The November election will also include federal races, such as the U.S. Senate seat held by Marsha Blackburn and the District 4 U.S. House of Representatives seat held by Scott DesJarlais.
As Eagleville prepares for a potentially transformative vote, the question remains: Will residents embrace the introduction of package liquor stores and the changes that come with them, or will they choose to keep their community a “dine-in to drink” area? This would mean that to enjoy a glass of your favorite whiskey sour, you’ll still need to visit a local Eagleville restaurant. The voters will decide in the upcoming election, with early voting beginning on October 16 and election day scheduled for November 5.
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