Not sure how many people know this in Gonzales County yet, but there is an initiative by some people to bring liquor by the drink to Gonzales County. In order for them to put it on the ballot it will take 2200 signatures. This number is based on the last governors election. They will have a set amount of days to get the 2200 signatures and have them turned in for inspection. So several thoughts come to mind.
One bravo for someone not waiting for out local government to make any change. They are taking it straight to the people of Gonzales to decide. Win, lose or draw they will know what the people of Gonzales have to say.
Second, if Gonzales county ever wants a nice restaurant in this county, it is going to have to have liquor by the drink. I can tell you, as someone who has managed a restaurant, that the profit margins in food industries is pretty slim. The profits are in the drinks. And when you get into nicer places it's the drinks that make a difference.
Don't think so? Where do you go for a nice steak? Hmmm...seems like Roberts is the big talk. They have liquor by the drink. Kessels? Wait, they have liquor by the drink. And yet since I moved here over 15 years ago that's where we went for a steak. Any Outback, Chilis, Applebees, etc etc etc are always going to have liquor by the drink. Why? Because that's how they make the money to survive.
Over the years I've seen a dozen restaurants move into Gonzales and fail. Just in the corner of the square I think I've seen a half dozen places come and go. Some of those places were pretty good places to eat. Some were ok. But none of them could survive. I honestly think if they had put liquor by the drink in some of those places they'd still be around.
How many of you are a member of the BPO Elks in Gonzales just for the drinks with your meals? It's probably one of the top 3 reasons to join the lodge.
You want to learn how to bring business downtown? You want people to walk through the downtown area after a meal? Well guess what, this will be one of those ways to do it.
So over the next several weeks you'll be seeing someone with a clip board asking you to sign. I am going to ask you to seriously consider it. Consider that at NO additional cost to taxpayers we have a way to bring people to our town to go eat, walk around and purchase goods. Now that's the kind of thinking that will allow Gonzales to survive!
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
Finally!!! I'll sign it!
ReplyDeleteWere do we sign???? Oh and I am not even a drinker. I just know its best for this town!
ReplyDeleteGo by the chamber, I believe they have a petition to sign. You must be a registered voter to sign. This is for Gonzales COUNTY not just the city!
ReplyDeleteThere is also a petition at Shear Designs!
ReplyDeleteSure let’s promote Public Intoxication, Driving under the Influence and Driving while Intoxicated! We have enough issues with that in Gonzales County. I would rather go out with my family for a nice enjoyable meal to a restaurant that didn’t serve alcoholic beverages. A restaurant where my children, spouse and I didn’t have to worry about or put up with any potentially loud, obnoxious, or intoxicated people. My family frequents restaurants within Gonzales County regularly. My husband and I also enjoy a drink every now and again. But there is a place and time for that and I don’t believe that it’s at a restaurant. For those who want to have dinner and drinks, join the Elks. For those who need to drink, please do it responsibly and use a designated driver. Let’s preserve the family oriented atmosphere of Gonzales and its restaurants. Don’t sign the petition!
ReplyDeleteRegistered Voter
So are you telling me that you and your family dont go to restaraunts such as chilis, olive garden,and most mexican rest. outside of Gonzales because they serve alchohol? Get a grip!
ReplyDeleteDear Registered Voter,
ReplyDeleteI have no problem with you not signing the petition. It's your right and privilege as a registered voter to make that decision. And when and if it ever makes it to the ballot box, you can again express your decision.
But understand, drinking can be done without being irresponsible. I am a member of the Elks Lodge. And there are times I will go down for dinner and a drink. My BAC is no where NEAR .05 nor would I consider driving if it was.
Do you really think that those who are going to drink irresponsibly are not going to do so just because there is only beer and wine? Remember those can be had at many dinning establishments throughout Gonzales County now, including right here in the City of Gonzales.
Passing this amendment does nothing to change the rules/laws of our state, and that includes what is considered DUI and DWI, or Public Intoxication, all of which are crimes and punishable by law.
Additionally the server at the restaurant has a legal obligation NOT to serve anyone that would be intoxicated beyond the limit of the law. Just like a store front has an obligation not to sale to someone who is already drunk.
So I feel (this is my opinion) that your fears are unfounded and a bit out there. I've been to Roberts and never had "any potentially loud, obnoxious, or intoxicated people" there. The dozens of times I've been to Klessels I've never seen it at the restaurant (though admittedly I've never been on the bar side because of the smoke issue, only the restaurant side). I go to places in San Antonio and Austin weekly that serve alcohol and I couldn't tell you the last time I saw someone drunk and or obnoxious because of alcohol (some people are just obnoxious, has nothing to do with alcohol).
So I personally feel you have some unfounded grounds for not supporting this amendment.
Do I respect your right not to support it? HECK YES!!! That's what makes this a great country, we can come together, disagree, and move forward!
God Bless
Dennis