Riverside to vote on Sunday Alcohol Sales

A special election that will allow voters in Riverside to determine whether the city will have Sunday alcohol sales has been set.

The City Council has approved a notice setting the election for Aug. 11. Where Voters will decide “whether alcoholic beverages may be legally sold or distributed on Sunday.”

A bill was recently passed by state legislators allowing municipalities within St. Clair County to hold elections to determine if voters want seven-day alcohol sales. Both Pell City and Riverside appear poised to hold special elections.

Pell City Clerk Penney Isbell said the city gave official notice of a special election yesterday with the same date as Riverside.

Riverside officials said city businesses will make more money with seven-day sales, and additional sales will help bring in more tax dollars for the city.  One council member asked the council if it might be best to not allow alcohol sales until after noon or 1 p.m. on Sundays.

Councilman Frank Riddle said That would kill the racetrack business..

Mayor Rusty Jessup said Riverside is a tourist town, so it is important that Riverside has seven-day sales.

He said The river is the biggest tourist attraction for this city.

He said local hotels, gas stations and restaurants would benefit from seven-day sales.

The special election is set for the second Tuesday in August, in accordance with state law.

Polls will open at the Riverside Storm Shelter, at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

If a voter is unable to vote at the regular polling place or time, he or she can obtain an absentee ballot at Riverside City Hall during the regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.