Alcohol Debate Continues in Benton County

Petitions are at the front of several restaurants and businesses-- encouraging residents to sign and make the county wet. Catfish John`s in Rogers has over 200 signatures. Owner John Wells says he just wants to bring it to a vote. Wells says Benton County has changed dramatically over the years-- and it`s time to re-examine the county`s dry status. "There are so many more people here now that have different opinions. Whether you`re for it or against it- makes no difference to me- I just think the people should have the opportunity to vote on it," says John Wells. Others say packaged alcohol sales would only hurt this family-oriented community. "It`s not the use of alcohol... it`s the abuse of alcohol that ruins a community." Michael Skinner says if Benton County residents really want to have a drink, they don`t have to go too far. "Really, it`s the best of both worlds-- we`re 15 minutes from Missouri, 15 minutes from the county line-- if you want to have a glass of wine or a beer with a meal- you can do it here in Benton County. We would just rather not have to deal with the packaged liquor issue." Right now, there are several restaurants, like Moe`s Southwest Grill, who run as private clubs. Customers can become a member just by signing up and be served alcohol. The manager there says they just want people to enjoy themselves. "We just like for people to have a drink whenever they want to and just be able to relax and have a good time," Brandon West says. And one local resident says she`s ready to vote for a wet county. "I think everybody ought to have the right to choose whether they want to drink or not and not have to travel out of the county to have their drink," says Marcia Taylor. The group behind the petition needs 38,000 signatures by the first of September. Right now, they have about half.