Approving the option would allow off-premise sale of hard liquor and eliminate local restaurants and bars from having to register patrons as private club members before they are allowed to consume mixed drinks.
Many of these establishments say this process is a bookkeeping headache that costs them money.
The Texas Restaurant Association reports maintaining private club status can cost businesses between $3,000 and $20,000 per year.
Last July, the Temple Committee for Economic Growth hired a professional petition company - Texas Petition Strategies - which collected nearly 5,000 signatures in 17 days. That petition was the instrument for landing this item on the ballot.
The committee said in a press release that changing Temple liquor laws would enable the city to recruit companies that sell fine wines and spirits.
Only three communities in Bell County now allow sale of hard liquor: Morgan's Point, Harker Heights and Holland.
Temple's current liquor law is the result of a similar petition drive in 2002, spearheaded by Ralph Sheffield, owner of Las Casas Restaurant, and former Texas Restaurant Association president. (Sheffield was elected District 55 state representative in 2008.)
Temple city officials held two public hearings this week regarding how and where alcohol can be sold. City attorney Jonathan Graham said both items are a matter of clarifying language regarding permits and zoning for businesses interested in selling alcoholic beverages.
