by Malcolm Butler

Ruston residents are invited to a “Townhall Meeting” tonight at the Civic Center as Ruston mayor Ronny Walker will answer the public’s questions in regards to the upcoming vote on the five alcohol propositions.

Walker will join City of Ruston Attorney Bill Carter and Planning and Zoning Director Jim Hayes at the Civic Center for the Q&A which begins at 6 p.m.

“I will answer any questions asked,” said Walker. “I feel like if a citizen is going to take time to come to a meeting and have a question, then we should answer it. The citizens deserve that in my opinion. If somebody wants to talk about this, then I want to talk to them.”

There are five alcohol referendums on the March 25 ballot, three that are currently allowed in propositions 1, 2 and 5.

Below are the propositions that registered voters in the City of Ruston will be voting on during the upcoming election.

Proposition No. 1 – CURRENTLY ALLOWED (Passed in 2002)

Authority to sell beverages of alcoholic content containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume by package only and not for consumption on the premises in the city.

Proposition No. 2 – CURRENTLY ALLOWED (Passed in 2002)

Authority to sell beverages of alcoholic content containing not more than 6% alcohol by volume for consumption on the premises in the city.

Proposition No. 3 – NOT CURRENTLY ALLOWED

Authority to sell beverage alcohol containing one-half of 1% alcohol by volume and above for consumption on the premises in the city.

Proposition No. 4 – NOT CURRENTLY ALLOWED

Authority to sell beverage containing one half of 1% alcohol by volume and above by package only and not for consumption on the premises in the city.

Proposition No. 5 – CURRENTLY ALLOWED (Passed in 2002)

Authority to sell beverages of high and low alcoholic content permitted only on the premises of restaurant establishments which have been issued an “R” permit as defined by law in the city.

Walker said he wants to make sure voters are well educated on what is what when it comes to all five propositions.

“We will have everyone from planning and zone to legal to myself to try to get some clarity to the liquor (propositions),” said Walker. “It has gotten so confusing to so many people. There is a lot of inaccurate information out there. We need people to show up so we can clarify it and have it come from the horses mouth.

“If you want to keep Ruston Ruston, then you need to vote yes on Number 1, 2 and 5. Bottom line if you want everything like it is today. If you want everything like it is today but you also want to go to the grocery story and pick up a bottle of wine or a bottle of Jack Daniels, then you need to vote (yes) to Number 1, 2, 4 and 5.”