February 21, 2008 issue

New ABC Taskforce to Resume Quest for Liquor by the Drink in Boone

Story by David Brewer

A group of Boone citizens known as the ABC Taskforce is gearing up for an attempt to bring liquor by the drink to the restaurants of Boone. Spearheaded by Boone Saloon co-owner Stephen Sinanian, the group is currently testing the popularity of a potential referendum that would put liquor by the drink on the ballot later this year. Boone residents have not voted on liquor by the drink since the mid 1990s.

In addition to a handful of fellow restaurateurs, Sinanian has recruited professors, bankers, students and realtors for the taskforce in an attempt to prove that citizens beyond those directly linked to the restaurant business support the initiative.

“I represent a group of business owners and professors who are interested in pursuing the feasibility of liquor by the drink,” said Sinanian. “We’re going around to different groups such as the DBDA and the Boone Chamber of Commerce, just to feel out how the town is going to receive the idea of having a mixed beverage referendum. So far we’ve gotten positive feedback.”

At its February monthly meeting, the DBDA executive board adopted a resolution in support of the ABC Taskforce’s initiative and volunteered to write a letter of support to be presented at the March Boone Town Council meeting.

Sinanian pointed to the recent adoption of liquor by the drink in neighboring West Jefferson, as well as local revenues lost to the longstanding mixed beverage availability in Blowing Rock and Banner Elk as prime reasons for local residents to consider permitting liquor sales in Boone. He also noted that Boone’s lack of fine dining establishments can be attributed to the lack of mixed beverages within town limits.

“A lot of people are interested because of the potential for an expanded customer base and clientele,” said Sinanian.

During fiscal year 2005-06, the ABC Store of Boone posted $3.7 million in gross sales and by statutory requirement paid the Town of Boone $319,000. Since the store opened in 1986, the operation has produced $4.4 million in revenues for the town. Sinanian believes that liquor by the drink in Boone would increase revenues for the town.

The Boone Saloon co-owner is also reaching out to members of the community who have traditionally opposed liquor by the drink in Boone to understand their concerns before proceeding.

“I’m just trying to do what’s best for the town,” said Sinanian.

Contact Sinanian by email at ABCtaskforce@gmail.com.