Clinton considers Sunday alcohol sales

The city of Clinton is considering allowing alcohol by the glass and beer sales on Sunday.

The Clinton Board of Aldermen has set a public hearing for June 16 to hear from citizens on whether Sunday sales of alcohol should be allowed.

Mayor Phil Fisher supports the idea of alcohol by the glass sales, saying it could spur new restaurants in the city, which could keep residents in the city when they go to restaurants.

Clinton, which has a population of about 26,000, is known for its good neighborhoods and having one of the top-ranked school districts in the state.

Fisher has said the city is increasing economic development efforts to bring in retail and business to shore up the shopping base and labor base.

"We have been trying for a long time to bring a national chain restaurant to Clinton," Fisher said today."I just want the Board of Aldermen to vote yes for it or no, so I will know what to tell a national chain when I'm out recruiting."

Fisher said he would expect there will be some opposition to allowing Sunday sales of alcohol.

Clinton Alderman Mike Cashion, who is also executive director of the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association, said allowing Sunday sales of alcohol by the glass might help existing restaurants, but it won't make or break existing restaurants.

"I think the larger question is when we are trying to recruit new restaurants and certain type restaurants, the Sunday sales issue is very important," Cashion said. "It will help us significantly when we go after certain type businesses; certain type restaurants that will need Sunday sales."

We need to consider this and that is what the public hearing is all about. We want all the residents of Clinton to be able to voice their opinions and concerns.

Contact Jimmie E. Gates at (601) 961-7212 or jgates@jackson.gannett.com. Follow @jgatesnews on Twitter.