In the wine capital of Texas, a push for liquor stores could change the landscape in Grapevine.
On Nov. 8, Grapevine voters will decide whether to allow liquor stores in the city.
A petition for the ballot measure was submitted in the spring by Citizens for Total Wine and More. The Political Action Committee gathered more than 5,300 signatures supporting the liquor store.
In July, Grapevine City Council decided to send the issue to a public vote.
"It's not what a wholesome community wants. It's not what we worked for all of these years. It's not Grapevine," said City Councilwoman Sharron Spencer. "The big threat is where liquor stores can go. It can go by our schools, by our churches, and by our day cares. It's not just the change on what it can do to businesses. That is only a piece of it."
Downtown Grapevine, which has a dozen wineries, prides itself with a small town charm and a unique area where visitors can shop, eat and drink wine.
"I don't think Grapevine needs liquor stores. I don't think it's something the city needs," said Farina's Winery and Care owner Gary Farina. "We love Grapevine the way it is and we want to preserve that. I don't understand why you would want to take the risk of changing the fabric of the community. It's not necessary."
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Total Wine and More said customers have asked for more locations.
"We have over 10,000 customers in Grapevine and the Southlake area who currently shop at our Arlington and Lewisville locations," said manger Dan Kobiske. "At one point, Arlington and Lewisville were prohibited from selling spirits in their cities, but overwhelmingly passed the approval."
Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate told voters in a letter: "A large out-of-state company is threatening our way of life. They want to build liquor stores in Grapevine to line their pockets."
Tate said if the measure passes, liquor stores will be located near schools, churches, and neighborhoods. He also said liquor stores will hurt locally owned businesses and increase violent crime.
