WDEF News 12

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There's a battle brewing over liquor in the City of Lafayette.

Local restaurants want to be allowed to serve alcohol to boost business.

Opponents fear it will be a menace to the city.

Miguel Santiago, Yan Yesica & Yaniria, "It's pretty bad people walk in asking for it and they just walk out daily. That happens daily."

At Yan Yesica & Yaniria on Main Street in LaFayette, along with authentic Mexican cuisine, owner Miguel Santiago hopes to offer alcohol on the menu.

It's incentive he says will draw customers.

Miguel Santiago, Yan Yesica & Yaniria, "Our businesses are dying little by little because people walk in here and ask if we sell beers and wine or alcohol when we say no no margaritas at all because it's a dry town they just walk away mad and they never show back up again."

He and several restaurant owners and residents appealed to city council to allow liquor by the drink.

Now the issue goes before voters November 3rd.

Jessica Gunther, "We don't want it here in our little town."

It's hard for some folks around town to swallow.

Opponents plan for victory putting up signs urging people to vote no.

Gunther "One drink can change a life and many other lives because sometimes one person in your family affects more than just you it trickles."

Around 40 people got together at First Baptist Church Tuesday to encourage resident to keep LaFayette dry.

Among them Scott and several residents of the Penfield Christian Home, a recovery program for alcohol addiction.

They all say the costs far outweighs any benefit.

Scott, Penfield Christian Home, "Drinking while you eat that's how it started for me 40 years ago. I would have a beer or a drink while I ate. Even if you only have a beer or a drink while you eat you still have to get in that car and drive home and there's other innocent people driving around out there.

Early voting is underway until the end of the month.

The issue is on the November 3rd ballot.

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