MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — For the first time in Marshall County history, you can now purchase alcoholic beverages in the unincorporated areas of the county.
“There are several retail establishments in the county that have applied for their license through us,” said Larry Sortor.
Sortor is on the alcohol license review board.
“We’ve approved them. That approval goes to the state ABC licensing board, they approve, they do an inspection of the facilities, and they’re good to go,” he said.
This process follows a majority of voters in Marshall County deciding to make it a wet county in November 2024.
Before the election, News 19 spoke with Vanir Patel. He is the owner of Backwoods Grocery in Swearengin, an unincorporated area.
“But now, since it’s wet, we decided to go and get our license,” Patel said.
Back in November, Patel said he was unsure whether he would apply for the license because the store is located near many churches, but on Wednesday, he appeared for his public hearing. The hearing is one of the final steps in gaining a license.
“The next generation is coming on,” he said. “The younger people, they really don’t care. I mean, people who are going to drink… they’re going to drink either way.”
He said he decided on what is best for his business and for the county as a whole.
“If the business grows, it helps us, helps the community, and helps Marshall County too, so it’s win-win for everyone,” Patel said.
Sortor said the county has been accepting of this new law.
“We have yet to have anybody step up at a public hearing to say any or voice any kind of disapproval,” Sortor said.
Applications for an alcohol license can be found on the Marshall County website.
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