HOT SPRING COUNTY, Ark — After a lengthy petition, Hot Spring County citizens voted to turn the dry county wet on Tuesday, November 8.
Paul Helberg, who led the campaign as the chairman of the Vote Hot Spring County Wet Campaign, said that it was a long journey.
"We had something over 7000 signatures," Paul said.
The campaign expected increased revenue and safety improvements to come to the town soon.
"Arkansas Economic Development Institute told us that we should expect a 22% reduction in DUI's the first year... they don't want to drive 30 miles on a drive three," Paul added.
Some local businesses are also excited about the increase in opportunity.
Arkansas Yarn Company in Malvern proudly supported the petition, even getting signatures in the store, and owner Lorri Helberg has already started celebrating
"More revenue, commerce customers, more places to eat out...have better opportunity as small businesses down the road," Lorri said.
Lori added that supporting the campaign to sell alcohol in the county was worth the risk of any potential backlash.
"I wasn't afraid of the urban legends, 'If you support something like this, then they're gonna close down your business'... do the right thing for the betterment of your community," she explained.
But liquor stores that border Hot Spring County might not like the change, because up until now, they've served as the closest place to buy alcohol.
There was a similar situation in Pulaski County when Saline County started selling alcohol eight years ago.
Rafferty's Liquor in Pulaski County has adapted to the changes in clientele, but not all stores faired the same— one even closed down.
"We saw a significant amount of sales decrease, and since everybody can now sell beer at the gas stations and convenience stores, and all that kind of took its toll on us," manager Jeremy Trent Moody explained.
Jeremy said that the store struggled with sales for about a year and a half after Saline County's switch, but is now back on track.
"Pretty much just word of mouth and low price is what kept us flow here," Jeremy added.
But Paul said that while there might be growing pains along the way, this change is long overdue.
"We ran a clean campaign... we just did it the right way. It worked," Paul said.