NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Pippin Williamson with Sandhills Brewing is glad to see that the question passed eliminating the food sales requirement for establishments in Reno County that sell liquor by the drink. He notes that he would have been for the concept, and was, even before Sandhills had problems getting their liquor license renewal a year ago.
"Three to four years ago, we tried to change this law before we ever ran into the problem," Williamson said.
Williamson also notes that it opens up possibilities for other businesses to sell wine or beer that may not have been able to before because of an inability to generate enough food sales.
"From the craft shops to our theatres, our Fox Theatre, to our movie theater, to, if they wanted to, even the Flag Theatre, and any other business," Williamson said. "One of our craft shops that's in town has a liquor license and they're very, very happy for the results."
That doesn't mean that places that now sell food will stop, though.
"We opened the brewery to make beer and serve it in a low-key casual environment," Williamson said. "That's what we want to do. Prior to this law being changed, we have been required to operate as a pseudo restaurant. Now, we don't have to. Now, we're still going to do food, because food is good for business. Food is not going to go away at the brewery or any other business."
The results are preliminary and are still subject to the canvass later this month. Unofficially, the count was 5407 Yes to 1873 No
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