By ROD ZOOK
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The resolution proposed by Reno County commissioners to have the public vote on changes to the current liquor by the drink regulations has the support of the Chamber of Commerce.
During Tuesday’s agenda session, LeAnn Cox with the Chamber spoke in favor of putting the question to abolish the 30% food rule for businesses wanting to sell alcohol, up to a vote.
“We want to reinforce that the Chamber of Commerce supports small businesses, and putting this opportunity on the ballot will give the voters of Reno County the chance to continue to demonstrate that we are a pro-business community,” Cox said. “We felt like the community of Hutchinson has spoken loudly in its support of this issue by the response received in the last few weeks at Sandhills.”
Cox says that microbreweries and similar businesses are growing in Kansas.
“A growing number of breweries and distilleries are opening up throughout the state, catering to those in search of a unique experience,” Cox said. “Breweries create a really cool tourism aspect to out-of-towners as people travel throughout the state to see breweries and leave their dollars behind.”
The Chamber is joined in its support of the requested change by Jackson Swearer of StartUp Hutch.
“I think it’s important that we have a good environment for our small businesses to operate,” Swearer said. “I think this is an instance where it is at least worth considering the question and putting that up to a public vote.”
Swearer told the commission an excerpt from a report compiled by the Kansas Sampler Foundation in regard to how small towns can thrive.
“The report states that a small town’s approach to businesses in the town can be a deciding factor on young people on whether to live there,” Swearer said. “New and small businesses are essential to the economy of rural communities. For young entrepreneurs, the right ingredients can make a big difference to start or grow a business.”
Swearer says success of small business is necessary to keep a community thriving and the greatest success comes from entertaining new ideas.
The commission hopes to have a resolution to go over at a future meeting and would have to pass proposed language before sending it to a vote.
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