Robersonville voters approve mixed-drink referendum

ROBERSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - Robersonville voters have approved a mixed-drink referendum by a two-to-one margin in Tuesday’s primaries, making way for restaurants and bars in the town to serve liquor by the drink for the first time.

Owner of the Tipsy Palate, Mary Torres, says, “We definitely feel supported by the city. People showed up, and they showed out yesterday because it was a do or a don’t, and the do won.”

Town Manager Jonathan Russell said the change could be an important tool for Robersonville’s growth.

“It’s a good retention tool — we want to make sure our businesses here are successful, and it allows them an additional revenue stream. “It’s also a good recruitment tool if there’s new restaurants wanting to come to the town, and if that’s something that is a part of their menu, then that will be beneficial for them as well,” says Russell.

Business owners say their future is bright as a community.

“It will help with businesses, and more money and taxes will come into the town,” said Vincenzo Passalacqua, owner of La Casetta.

Torres said she believes the change could also improve safety by giving residents a local option.

“It will help Robersonville generate more jobs, more revenue, and safely serve and keep people from traveling so far if they have a choice here to drink safely,” she said.

Some owners remain cautious and are concerned about the integrity of their establishment.

“My goal is to have more of a family to come here, just enjoy, relax, and maybe one or two drinks, no more than that — I don’t want any wild stuff,” Passalacqua said.

For Torres, the expected revenue is for new opportunities, too.

“It will help us generate more revenue, which we are excited about and can’t wait to pour back into the community to help rebuild Robersonville. “We’re planning to help either rebuild the playground or build a new one so the kids will have somewhere safely to go,” Torres says.

Town officials said the mixed-drink change has not yet been implemented. Discussions on how to move forward are expected to begin at a town meeting next week.