LUMBERTON — Lumberton’s proposed liquor ordinance has not been adopted despite the city’s previously announced July 1 start date, leaving the timeline for liquor sales in the city uncertain. 

RHCJC News submitted a public records request to the city June 29 seeking a copy of the proposed liquor ordinance, along with meeting agendas, minutes and related records concerning changes to the city’s alcohol regulations. 

In a written response dated June 29, Mayor James Sandifer Jr. said, “We have not adopted a liquor ordinance yet. No vote has been taken.” The mayor later told RHCJC News that City Attorney Jansen Owen is preparing the proposed ordinance and referred questions about the proposal to Owen. 

As of publication, city officials had not announced when the proposed ordinance would be presented to the Board of Aldermen for consideration or whether a new timeline had been established. RHCJC News has requested an interview with Owen to better understand where the proposal stands in the drafting process and when the city expects to consider the ordinance. 

Before liquor sales can begin, the proposed ordinance must be formally adopted by the Board of Aldermen. Generally, an ordinance is drafted before it is presented for consideration at a public meeting. If approved, it becomes part of the city’s code and establishes how the law will be implemented and enforced, including who may apply for licenses and where alcohol sales would be permitted. 

If the ordinance is adopted, businesses seeking to sell distilled liquor would also need to obtain the appropriate permits through the Mississippi Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, in addition to meeting any local requirements established by the ordinance. 

Lumberton’s proposal follows broader changes to alcohol laws in Lamar County. In 2022, county voters approved expanded sales of beer, wine and light spirit products in previously dry areas. Distilled liquor sales require separate authorization under Mississippi law. 

Although the ordinance has not yet been adopted, city officials have publicly discussed the proposal and why they support it. 

During a June 9 public hearing, Alderwoman Annette Sandifer said the Board of Aldermen unanimously supported allowing liquor sales because members believed residents wanted the change and that it would benefit local businesses.

“There was no confusion about the liquor license. We feel like that’s what the people want,” the alderwoman said. “It’s a good thing for businesses. We have several places to eat, and them being able to serve wine, daiquiris or liquor enhances their business.” 

Annette Sandifer said she believes allowing liquor sales would support Lumberton’s continued growth and encourage residents to spend more money within the city. 

“Lumberton is changing. It’s growing. It’s moving forward,” she said. “I hope it will bring more revenue into the city. We have a lot of people who travel outside to get alcohol, and I hope that will keep our dollars in the city.” 

City officials have also addressed how the proposed change could affect public safety. Lumberton Police Chief Elsie Cowart said she does not expect allowing liquor sales to create additional public safety problems. 

“We have DUIs often, so now maybe it will decrease because they’re going to be here closer to home,” Cowart said. “They can have a sister, cousin, brother or someone close, a spouse, come pick them up from said location versus them trying to, you know, ‘I got to get home,’ and can’t get there because they’re intoxicated.” 

Cowart said the department plans to provide educational information about alcohol safety and impaired driving if the ordinance is adopted. 

“You have to educate your people,” Cowart said. “We’ll be doing some educational things for the community to let them know what is to be expected from our standpoint.” 

This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.