While a majority of voters in Pearl approved a referendum on Tuesday to allow wine and liquor shops to open inside city limits, the final say on implementation will need to come from the Rankin County Board of Supervisors.
The Pearl city clerk’s office confirmed Wednesday morning that the vote was held to take count of how many residents wanted to take the “dry” suburb of Jackson – meaning liquor sales are not allowed – for context when the board discusses implementation.
According to Mississippi law, the county board of supervisors must vote on regulations and procedures for the sale of alcoholic beverages after a municipal vote. For example, the board of supervisors can set rules on the number of stores, how they look, and where they can be placed.
The board is scheduled to meet again on Friday, June 13.
Roughly 59.2%, or 1,198 voters, were in favor of wine and spirit stores to begin opening with certain restrictions on brick-and-mortar designs. Around 41.8%, or 827 voters, stood against the measure.
RELATED: Lucedale voters approve sale of liquor inside city limits
Rankin County, where Pearl resides, is still classified as a “dry” county. However, Pearl is looking to join some of its neighbors in finding ways to sell alcohol. Brandon approved liquor sales in 2022, and Flowood allows resort status for restaurants and hotels to be able to sell liquor inside approved establishments.
Pearl does permit beer sales, but residents have to travel out of the city to get their favorite bottle of whiskey or wine.
Other races in Pearl
Outside of the wine and liquor shop referendum, there were a handful of races on the ballot for Pearl voters. Incumbent Mayor Jake Windham, a Republican, held off Democrat Willie Robinson with over 78% of the vote. Sammy Williams (Ward 1), Keith Dennis (Ward 2), Gary Broadwater (Ward 3), Casey Foy (Ward 4), Dwight Knight (Ward 5), and Kyle Foster (Ward 6) all won their races for city council.
