LaFollette to set guidelines for package stores

LaFollette could possibly allow two package stores- Stan Foust, city administrator

By SUSAN SHARP

LAFOLLETTE, TN. (WLAF)- Package stores will soon open in LaFollette.

This comes following last week’s 1,257 to 902 vote on a referendum as to whether to allow package stores in the city limits.

The referendum was only the first step in the process.

LaFollette officials now must make a series of decisions about package stores.

This process begins with LaFollette City Attorney, Reid Troutman, drafting an ordinance detailing where the stores will be, how many stores the city will allow and the hours of operation, according to LaFollette City Administrator Stan Foust. Troutman is the attorney who wrote Caryville’s ordinance when package stores were voted in there.

The city must pass the ordinance “before anyone can do anything,” Foust said.

LaFollette could possibly allow two package stores, he said.

Troutman has begun work on the ordinance and Foust believes the process could move quickly.

The city council will need to hold a special called meeting to discuss it, he said. The ordinance will also go through a series of public readings.

Newly elected City Councilman Mark Hoskins was the first person in Campbell County to own a “legal liquor store.”

In his opinion, the stores will “not be detrimental to the county,” he told WLAF on Election Night. Having the proper oversight with the stores will be a factor in their operation.

Wayne Kitts, who was reelected to his seat on Tuesday night, said he “doesn’t drink” but acknowledges “it happens.”

Both council members are focused on the revenue the stores could bring to the city. While neither one anticipates a windfall from the stores, they do believe the city stands to gain financially from them.

“The more revenue you have, the better off you are,” Foust said.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 11/12/2024-6AM)