Politics & Government

Watauga voters show overwhelming support to open liquor stores in the city

Watauga residents voted on whether to allow liquor stores to operate within city limits.
Watauga residents voted on whether to allow liquor stores to operate within city limits. Star-Telegram archives

Watauga voters approved opening liquor stores in the city, with 68.01% supporting the proposal, according to unofficial results.

The city council voted Oct. 11 to allow zoning for two liquor stores in Watauga on Denton Highway and Rufe Snow Drive, Miner said.

Mayor Arthur Miner said he talked to residents who shared varying opinions on whether they want liquor stores in the city.

“I’ve had feedback from citizens. Some said they want liquor stores but don’t want too many. One person wrote in and said she wants as many as we can get,” he said.

John Hatch, president of Texas Petition Strategies, said his company conducted a petition drive on behalf of Liquorland, which wants to open a location in Watauga.

Hatch said his company collected over 2,600 signatures from registered voters in Watauga. The number of signatures needed to call a local option alcohol election is based on the number of people who voted in the most recent gubernatorial election which was in 2018.

Hatch said he is encouraging cities that are considering alcohol elections to conduct them soon because he anticipates a high turnout in 2022.

This story was originally published November 2, 2021 at 8:01 PM.

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Elizabeth Campbell
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
With my guide dog Freddie, I keep tabs on growth, economic development and other issues in Northeast Tarrant cities and other communities near Fort Worth. I’ve been a reporter at the Star-Telegram for 34 years.
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