| House OKs right to vote on wine sale Senate up next for bill that only affects two cities 04/08/2001 By Jennifer Packer / The Dallas Morning News Legislation that would give residents of Southlake and Westlake the right to decide whether wine sales should be allowed in stores has won state House approval and is now headed for the Senate.
If voted into law, it would lift a restriction in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code that prohibits cities lying in more than one county from conducting elections on wet-dry issues.
Although legislators have failed in similar statewide attempts over the last 20 years to change the code, state Rep. Vicki Truitt, R-Keller, said she's optimistic that her version will win the Senate's favor because it would apply only to the two cities.
"It's not a done deal until the governor signs it, but I feel pretty good about it," Ms. Truitt said.
Retailers in Southlake are allowed to sell beer, and restaurants may sell wine by the glass. But for the bottled version of the beverage, residents must cross into neighboring cities. In Westlake, restaurants may serve alcoholic beverages, but convenience stores and other retailers are barred from selling wine or beer.
Previous bills have included provisions that would wipe out the 28-year-old policy in all 106 Texas cities subject to it, she said. By limiting the legislation to the two affected cities in her district, Ms. Truitt said she was able to appease her most ardent opponents: members of the beer and packaging industries.
"This is the agreed arrangement," said Ms. Truitt, who has been negotiating with them for the last two years. "It's a local bill, and it doesn't adversely affect anyone."
So far, the House Committee on Licensing and Administration and the full House have voted unanimously to support the bill. It is scheduled for consideration by the Senate's Intergovernmental Relations Committee later this month, Ms. Truitt said. Then, if approved, it will go to the full Senate.
Southlake council member Greg Standerfer said most residents he's talked to about the bill want it to be approved.
"It's just an issue of basic fairness," he said. "We ought to have a choice. We ought not have to spend our money in Keller or Grapevine."
It could also mean the difference in whether Southlake may allow a proposal to bring an eatZi's Market and Bakery to Southlake Town Square.
If approved, the legislation would take effect Sept. 1. At that point, the two cities would be permitted to call local-option elections after having gathered signatures from 35 percent of registered voters within 30 days.
Staff writer Jennifer Packer can be reached at jpacker and at 817-410-9602, ext. 4969.
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