Wet vote wins: Alcohol sales vote passes in Marshall County

BENTON, Ky. (AP) — Marshall County voters have chosen by a slim margin to allow alcohol sales for the first time since 1938.

Multiple media outlets report that about 50.8 percent of 12,660 voters were in favor of alcohol sales during the Tuesday special election, a 202-vote difference.

According to Randy Newcomb, executive director of the Marshall County Tourist Commission, opposing votes prevailed by about 695 when the county last voted on the measure in 2012.

About 500 fewer voters cast ballots in this election, compared to the 2012 one.

Newcomb says a recent study showed the current demand for alcohol in Marshall County would have a $3.9 million annual impact.

Keith Travis, chairman of the dry group Say No Now, had said the social effects of selling alcohol would far outweigh potential economic benefits.

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