A push to allow packaged liquor sales in London, Kentucky failed on election night.
On March 6, 54% of voters in a special election in London voted against the sales.
This story originally aired on February 23, 2012
Cities in southeastern Kentucky that have long been dry are now bringing alcohol sales up for a vote.
The city of Corbin recently voted in alcohol sales at package stores while nearby Barbourville voted against it.
Both London and Williamsburg are holding special elections next month.
"It would change the the complexion of this community to a great degree if we have legalized alcohol," said retired judge, Blaine Stewart.
He's a leader in CASA, Citizens Against the Sale of Alcohol. They are placing bright red signs all over town asking citizens to vote against liquor by the drink sales.
"It's not like it's just a little group that's opposing it. We had this election six years ago and we defeated it soundly," Stewart said.
Stewart said CASA's main goal is "to keep this community the type of community where you want to live and raise your children."
The group formed when a petition began circulating asking for a special election to allow alcohol to be sold only in restaurants where 70% of the sales are food.
Around 400 people signed the petition.
Proponents of the sale like Andrew Root hope it will draw in new business.
"I am not a drinker myself, but I do think that a lot more restaurants will come and it will help the economy out. So I just think it would be all around better," said Root.
He says right now their only options are fast food or driving to other cities to eat at restaurants.
Williamsburg's special election is on March 20th.
In London, voters go to the polls to vote on package sales and liquor by the drink on March 6th.