PHOTO: A Budweiser truck delivers the first of many shipments of beer to the Swift Mart (Formally the Texaco) at the intersection of Highways 40 and 75. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)
By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor
tyler@southerntorch.com
HENAGAR, Ala. — Earlier today, the coolers at the Swift Mart (Formally Texaco) No. 6 on the corner of Highway 40 and 75 in Henagar were being stocked with beer, instead of the normal soft drinks.
The Swift Mart, which still bares the Texaco logo, was the first convenience store to apply for the license back in January. The store was recently bought out by Swift, who is now the first store in town to sell alcohol, and one of the only spots on Sand Mountain were beer can be bought.
Citizens have been waiting anxiously for the town to officially be wet, after 388 (57%) citizens voted YES vote and 290 (42%) voted NO on August 23rd of last year. The town was embroiled in a bitter debate during the summer after enough voters signed a petition to include the referendum on the ballot mid-last year. Yard signs were defaced and stolen.
According to Henagar City Hall, the "Alcohol Ordinance" was approved on January 30, and the Swift Mart was the first to apply.
Swift Mart No. 6 is also now stocking 100 percent gasoline, and is one of the few places around to provide gasoline without Ethanol.
