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Walmart has just recently opened in Weaverville North Carolina, along with a Lowe's... and then an ABC Liquor Store following not too far behind. CNBC even covered the rise and shine of this Wal-Mart store and how it is affecting the community. They contacted Ask Asheville about video footage we took during the development of the project. Not only was this alien "Monster" called WalMart coming into Weaverville NC; but as of this past week, Booze is here too!
Many people (folks) have different views on the alcohol issue. Not too long ago, people had to drive from Madison County, Weaverville NC and even Eastern Tennessee... all the way to Asheville to get a bottle of booze. Woodfin had recently opened an Alcohol Beverage Control store, which is a liquor store where the North Carolina State controls the sales and profit of alcohol from their approved stores, and it was doing very well last I heard. Weaverville was like... "I want in"! As far as the "ABC" philosphy goes; I guess you could call it controlled prohibition in effect.
Woodfin, which some consider North Asheville, was reaping all of the recent profits from booze buyers coming from the North side of the County and beyond. Now Weaverville North Carolina intercepts the pass with their brand new ABC Liquor Store right off of the future I-26 (19/23) in the Walmart shopping plaza.
When I arrived, Weaverville Police were sitting in the parking lot of the liquor store, maybe scoping the vibe for the whole new idea that entered this smaller country community just a few miles North of Asheville. When I got out of my vehicle, a man was standing outside and seemed like he wanted to ask me something. I said hello, and walked in the store. I was welcomed by about 6 people and I felt like a test dummy for a minute. Just a moment later, the guy who was outside walked up and asked if he could help me find anything. I told him I was just looking around.
While talking to some of the staff in the store, they said that 2 people had walked in the ABC Store today and said they were the missing votes that left restaurants unable to serve cocktails and shots. You see... Weaverville North Carolina barely missed the approval vote of liquor by the drink by only 2 votes!! Some people chanted victory while other were like "What the...".
In an area where many call liquor the "Devils Juice", cocktails are about to be served. Well, you can go to Stoney Knob and order a beer or glass of wine; but ask for a Rum and Coke or a Long Island Iced Tea today... and they will look at you like you are green and from outer space.
While in the middle of writing this blog, @WeavervilleGuy wrote this to us on Twitter: "I really hope we get liquor by the drink, even tho I dont drink. I would love to get some restaurants here"! Please understand that it is not all about this small community outside of Asheville simply not trusted with liquor. People are getting it anyway, just driving a longer distance. Many label "hard liquor" in the same category as illegal drugs. Major restaurants that have considered the Weaverville North Carolina area have been paralyzed by the liquor limitations. Why would Red Lobster or Chilis or any one of these major chains forfeit their alcohol profits because of those who wish to control our tolerance of alcohol? Of course Cracker Barrel and IHOP would thrive in Weaverville NC because liquor is not a part of their menu. But in todays world, they are the minority and I am sure they have considered switching roles. Chick-Fil-A will not open on Sunday, and other most "fast food" joints, they do not serve alcohol. But how many times have you driven up to their building and cursed the day because you could not get some good quick chicken?
While some in and around Asheville, claim that you are "Going to Hell" for drinking; others consider it a "fact of life" and a sort of a personal preference. Of course, when it comes to profit... there is the liquor profit, and then the law enforcement profits that arise from the violations and arrests being made. People get their liquor, folks choose to abuse, people get hurt, some go to jail, innocent live are sometimes lost in the process (extremely tragic!!!), abusers go to jail and die, the City or Town makes due and deals with the problems, and everyone wins and loses together. Let's make a deal!! We take the good with the bad and stand for what we truly believe. Sounds like sowing and reaping to me. Old school.
When you compare other Countries to the USA, liquor is not such a major problem, or profit angle as some may say. When liquor is not considered such a great problem in cultures such as France; it usually is not. Many believe that when drinking, if any, is taught in moderation, people are less likely to abuse it and become obsessive over "a drink." Is this true? Have you researched the statistics? Please comment below.
Folks at the Weaverville NC ABC Liquor Store said they were sure that this coming May, liquor by the drink will be voted in. Good for some, bad for others. North Asheville and Weaverville NC is about to expand tremendously in growth. North Asheville Baptist Church just did a giant groundbreaking ceremony on their new Weaverville property just 5 minutes from the liquor store. Randy Bassham is preparing for the huge Multi Purpose Athletic Center (MPAC) vision about 5 minutes away as well.
The Weaverville Tribune is the town newspaper in the area. My Weaverville is the best local online resource. Wonder what their views are when it comes to this Great Transition. When will Madison County get an ABC Liquor Store?
