Law loophole topic of debate

Tuesday’s city council meeting was a hotbed of debate concerning Picayune’s current status as a resort city.

That status allows restaurants and a couple of bars to sell liquor by the drink.

Some community members discovered a conflict between the state law and city’s zoning ordinances, essentially making it legal to establish a bar in a residential neighborhood.

While it would be nearly impossible for someone to actually accomplish this, since city officials would fight such a move, but by these community members expressing their concern of this loophole it demonstrates we have private citizens looking out for the city’s best interest.

To lessen those concerns, the city’s attorney stated that he intends to work with the state to have language included in the state law that would ensure the city has the last say in where such an establishment would set up shop. Again, the city has no intention of letting bars sprout up next to our homes.

Another aspect of the discussion was whether this relatively new resort city status has caused a negative or positive change within the city.

There were questions as to whether incidents of DUI arrests have increased or decreased, and whether more revenue and jobs were generated as a result of the sale of liquor.

Police Chief Bryan Dawsey said at the meeting that there has been no increase in the number of DUI arrests.

Also, jobs have been created. Applebee’s now employs Pearl River County residents; as does Fatty’s, which also has a bar.

Let’s not forget about the new Mexican restaurant near Walmart. These are all new businesses that were established after the city received its resort status. Admittedly, there is still room to grow. Let the growth continue.

SportsPlus

News

Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department Hosts Quarterly Awards, Honors Deputies and Citizens for Outstanding Service

News

Krewe of the Pearl Crowns New King and Queen for 2024-2025

News

CWD educational session headlines MDWFP commission meeting

News

Luxus Health and Wellness Hosts Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

News

Pearl River County Board of Supervisors Approves Grants for Law Enforcement, Parks, and Public Safety

News

U.S. Attorney’s Office to Oversee Election Integrity in Southern Mississippi for 2024 General Election

News

Kaitlyn Molinere Promoted to Picayune Memorial Library Branch Manager

News

Picayune Police and Partner Agencies Conduct Patrols, Make Multiple Arrests

News

Pearl River Central High School Community Garden Receives Support from Master Gardeners, Home Depot

News

Captain Rhonda Johnson Graduates from Certified Investigators Program

News

Lori Cossitt Recognized at City Council for Ms. Mississippi Senior Title

News

Hunters, Harvest Needed to Help Deer

News

Pearl River County Hospital to Host DEA National Takeback Event

News

Picayune School District Recognizes Top-Scoring Students at Friday Night Football Game

News

Governor Reeves Approves Deployment of Law Enforcement to North Carolina for Hurricane Helene Response

News

Pearl River Central to Host First-Ever Community Pep Rally Ahead of Home Game

News

Annie Takes the Stage at Picayune Theatre

News

City of Poplarville to Replace Water Meters with Advanced Electronic Models

News

Local Man Arrested for Drug-Related Charges in Picayune

News

Picayune Police Host Annual National Night Out, Fostering Community Engagement

News

Picayune Police Department to Receive New Bloodhound for Investigative Use

News

Picayune City Council Proclaims October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Honors Local Author

News

Keesler Federal Bright Futures Program Provides Supplies to Over 20,000 Kindergartners

News

PRC Blue Devils Secure First Win Under Coach Feaster, Break 17-Game Losing Streak