Magnolia voters have shown their support at the polls for the legal sale of all alcoholic beverages in the city limits, making Magnolia a wet town after nearly 40 years of being dry.

Early election results showed 58.59 percent for the measure allowing legal sales of alcoholic beverages including mixed beverages and 41.41 percent against. On Nov. 8 the amount for the liquor option rose to 61.94 percent, with 38.06 percent against.

A total of 155 residents voted on the proposition; 96 for and 59 against.

While the results of the election will take effect immediately, local restaurants will have to attain proper permits through the state.

Prior to the election, restaurants had to establish memberships with their customers in order for them to drink alcohol. Several restaurant owners said this process made it very difficult for the business owners. In addition, the restaurants had to answer to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to maintain a liquor license. The city did not gain tax dollars from private memberships and the sale of alcoholic beverages.

Now, restaurants will be able to attain a less-expensive state permit through TABC and other bars and liquor stores will have a chance to open in the city limits.

City Administrator Paul Mendes said passing the proposition was strictly from a business perspective. The city will now be able to gain tax dollars from establishments selling mixed beverages.

Jonny Williams, 4B Economic Development Corporation President, said the city was missing out on tax dollars. Williams said this would be beneficial to the city and it was not to promote drinking. He pointed out that residents are able to drive just outside the city limits to get liquor.

At a town hall meeting prior to the election, restaurant owners said they would welcome possible competition from prospective businesses if the proposition passed.

The City of Magnolia was the only incorporated city inside Montgomery County to remain dry prior to the Nov. 8 election.

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