Swain commissioners have drafted a letter to the local legislative delegation opposing a bill introduced by Rep. Phil Haire that would allow the sale of alcohol in the Nantahala Gorge.

The letter states, in part: “On behalf of the Board of commissioners of Swain County I will express concern that another bill has been introduced that would affect Swain County as far as alcohol sales within the county, without a vote of the people of this county. The Board has opposed each bill of this nature and will continue to take this stand.”

In February 2001, Superior Court Judge James L. Baker Jr. ruled in Swain County’s favor and declared a similar law - which had passed both houses of the state legislature - unconstitutional. The act would have allowed the sale of alcoholic beverages in a small area of Swain County (Nantahala Gorge) by creating a “recreation district.”

The county is also on record as opposing House Bill 152, “Tourism ABC Establishment,” also introduced by Haire, which would allow restaurants or hotels with a property line located within 1.5 miles of the end of an entrance or exit ramp of the Blue Ridge Parkway, between the state line and milepost 469, to sell alcoholic beverages.

Chairman Douthit has stated that the board is in opposition to any act that would allow the sale of alcohol in the county without a referendum from the people.

In other business at their April 9 regular meeting, Swain County commissioners adopted a Watershed Protection Ordinance and an Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance. According to Douthit, these measures have been needed in Swain County and will help ensure a clean and ample water source for county residents.

A resolution encouraging state lawmakers to support legislation requiring substantial reductions in power plant emissions of sulfur and nitrogen oxides was also passed. The board selected commissioner Dick Ensley and county attorney Kimberly Lay to serve as liaisons between the board and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

 

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The Smoky Mountain News