THE LIST

Here is a list of the first approved licenses to sell alcohol in Lubbock County:

Trade Name    Owner Name    Street Address    Street Address    City    Zip Code
SHALLOWATER TRUCK STOP    ROBLES, MANUEL DEJESUS    7411    HWY 84    SHALLOWATER    793633755
TOM’S    62/82 INVESTMENTS INC.    740    HWY 62/82    WOLFFORTH    79382
TOM’S    62/82 INVESTMENTS INC.    740    HWY 62/82    WOLFFORTH    79382
TOM’S BEER & WINE    62/82 INVESTMENTS INC.    738    HWY 62/82    WOLFFORTH    79382
TOM’S BEER & WINE    62/82 INVESTMENTS INC.    738    HWY 62/82    WOLFFORTH    79382
SHALLOWATER SMOKE SHOP    TAYLOR, BILLY RAY    611    AVE G    SHALLOWATER    79363
THE VILLAGE PANTRY INC.    THE VILLAGE PANTRY INC.    6901    SLIDE ROAD    LUBBOCK    794241537
UNITED SUPERMARKET #506    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    1701    50TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794122701
UNITED SUPERMARKET #506    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    1701    50TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794122701
7-ELEVEN #422    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    2504    98TH STREET    LUBBOCK    79421
7-ELEVEN #421    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    9802    SLIDE    LUBBOCK    79424
7-ELEVEN #420    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    5746    82ND STREET    LUBBOCK    79423
7-ELEVEN #418    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    5802    34TH STREET    LUBBOCK    79407
7-ELEVEN #417    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    6101    19TH STREET    LUBBOCK    79407
7-ELEVEN #416    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    5724    4TH STREET    LUBBOCK    79416
7-ELEVEN #413    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    4324    82ND STREET    LUBBOCK    794231902
7-ELEVEN #412    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    5002    QUAKER AVENUE    LUBBOCK    79423
7-ELEVEN #411    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    8126    UNIVERSITY AVENUE    LUBBOCK    794232246
7-ELEVEN #410    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    8109    INDIANA AVENUE    LUBBOCK    794232018
UNITED SUPERMARKET #537    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    2703    82ND STREET    LUBBOCK    794231429
UNITED SUPERMARKET #537    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    2703    82ND STREET    LUBBOCK    794231429
MARKET STREET #543    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    4205    98TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794233971
UNITED SUPERMARKETS #551    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    8010    FRANKFORD AVENUE    LUBBOCK    794242626
UNITED SUPERMARKETS #551    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    8010    FRANKFORD AVENUE    LUBBOCK    794242626
MARKET STREET #543    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    4205    98TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794233971
UNITED SUPERMARKETS #505    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    401    SLIDE ROAD    LUBBOCK    794164315
UNITED SUPERMARKETS #505    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    401    SLIDE ROAD    LUBBOCK    794164315
NICK STOP    DESAI&PATEL    5812    AVE P ‘B’    LUBBOCK    794123602
7-ELEVEN #400    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    2318    19TH STREET    LUBBOCK    79401
7-ELEVEN #402    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    3802    34TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794102636
7-ELEVEN # 403    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    802    AVE Q    LUBBOCK    794012618
7-ELEVEN #404    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    2608    AVE Q    LUBBOCK    79411
7-ELEVEN #406    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    2102    50TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794122603
7-ELEVEN #423    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    3402    98TH STREET    LUBBOCK    79423
7-ELEVEN #424    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    5001    UNIVERSITY    LUBBOCK    79412
7-ELEVEN #408    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    4401    19TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794072408
7-ELEVEN #409    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    3402    UNIVERSITY    LUBBOCK    79412
RICK’S PLACE    RCA GUARDIAN INC.    6023    82ND ST SUITE 6    LUBBOCK    79424
RICK’S PLACE    RCA GUARDIAN INC.    6023    82ND ST SUITE 6    LUBBOCK    79424
UNITED SUPERMARKET #501    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    2630    PARKWAY DRIVE    LUBBOCK    794034100
UNITED SUPERMARKET #501    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    2630    PARKWAY DRIVE    LUBBOCK    794034100
MARKET STREET #502    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    3405    50TH STREET    LUBBOCK    79413
MARKET STREET #502    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    3405    50TH STREET    LUBBOCK    79413
AMIGOS #503    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    112    N UNIVERSITY    LUBBOCK    794152822
AMIGOS #503    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    112    N UNIVERSITY    LUBBOCK    794152822
UNITED SUPERMARKET #531    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    5001    MARSHA SHARP FREEWAY    LUBBOCK    794072619
UNITED SUPERMARKET #531    UNITED SUPERMARKETS L.L.C.    5001    MARSHA SHARP FREEWAY    LUBBOCK    794072619
FAST STOP 14    HUB CITY CONVENIENCE STORES  INC.    7822    82ND STREET    LUBBOCK    79424
CHISUM TRAVEL CENTER 8    HUB CITY CONVENIENCE STORES  INC.    2611    E SLATON ROAD    LUBBOCK    79404
STRIPES NO. 273    SSP BEVERAGE LLC    533    N FRANKFORD AVENUE    LUBBOCK    79416
STRIPES NO. 221    SSP BEVERAGE LLC    3401    98TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794233832
STRIPES NO. 202    SSP BEVERAGE LLC    806    34TH STREET    LUBBOCK    79404
STRIPES NO. 258    SSP BEVERAGE LLC    6502    19TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794071300
STRIPES NO. 162    SSP BEVERAGE LLC    8112    AVE H    LUBBOCK    794046346
STRIPES NO. 149    SSP BEVERAGE LLC    5801    19TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794071718
STRIPES NO. 110    SSP BEVERAGE LLC    3401    CLOVIS ROAD    LUBBOCK    794151500
STRIPES NO. 99    SSP BEVERAGE LLC    1818    AVE A    LUBBOCK    794015337
STRIPES NO. 42    SSP BEVERAGE LLC    2025    CLOVIS ROAD    LUBBOCK    794153637
BUDDY’S CONVENIENT STORE    SL PETERSON ENTERPRISES INC.    518    50TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794043636
QUALITY LICENSING CORP. (STORE #945)    QUALITY LICENSING CORP.    702    LOOP 289 WEST    LUBBOCK    794164200
QUALITY LICENSING CORP. (STORE #4299)    QUALITY LICENSING CORP.    6315    82ND STREET    LUBBOCK    794240809
MURPHY USA #7427    864 BEVERAGE INC.    6313    82ND STREET    LUBBOCK    79424
QUALITY LICENSING CORP. (STORE #861)    QUALITY LICENSING CORP.    4215    LOOP 289 SOUTH    LUBBOCK    794231100
LUBBOCK INN    ASTRO ENTERPRISES LLC    3901    19TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794101002
4-CORNERS MARKET    Z.N. HENDRIX INC.    8624    W 19TH    LUBBOCK    79407
4-CORNERS MART    Z.N. HENDRIX INC.    701    AVE F    SHALLOWATER    79363
CVS/PHARMACY #7272    E. T. B. INC.    3402    SLIDE ROAD    LUBBOCK    794142542
CVS/PHARMACY #7274    E. T. B. INC.    3401    82ND STREET    LUBBOCK    794231715
CVS/PHARMACY #7811    E. T. B. INC.    5805    82ND STREET    LUBBOCK    794243618
CVS/PHARMACY #7830    E. T. B. INC.    5208    98TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794244493
CVS/PHARMACY #8340    E. T. B. INC.    6420    19TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794071406
VALERO CORNER STORE # 1458    BIG DIAMOND INC.    1129    LOOP 289 SOUTHEAST    LUBBOCK    794046003
VALERO CORNER STORE # 1457    BIG DIAMOND INC.    5720    SPUR 327    LUBBOCK    794241250
DIAMOND SHAMROCK CORNER STORE # 1456    BIG DIAMOND INC.    6425    19TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794071405
VALERO CORNER STORE # 1455    BIG DIAMOND INC.    7201    INDIANA AVENUE    LUBBOCK    794231316
VALERO CORNER STORE # 1453    BIG DIAMOND INC.    5113    82ND STREET    LUBBOCK    794243025
VALERO CORNER STORE #1452    BIG DIAMOND INC.    5002    SLIDE ROAD    LUBBOCK    794143720
VALERO CORNER STORE# 1449    BIG DIAMOND INC.    2815    SLIDE ROAD    LUBBOCK    794072601
VALERO CORNER STORE # 1447    BIG DIAMOND INC.    2017    50TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794122707
VALERO CORNER STORE # 1448    BIG DIAMOND INC.    2501    82ND STREET    LUBBOCK    794232249
STRIPES NO. 35    SSP BEVERAGE LLC    1601    19TH STREET    LUBBOCK    79401
FAST STOP 9    HUB CITY CONVENIENCE STORES  INC.    5901    34TH STREET    LUBBOCK    79407
LOWE’S #82    PAY AND SAVE INC.    5725    19TH STREET    LUBBOCK    79407
LOWE’S #81    PAY AND SAVE INC.    8208    SLIDE ROAD    LUBBOCK    79424
PINKIE’S #45    PINKIE’S INC.    5212    57TH ST SUITE 200    LUBBOCK    79414
UNIVERSITY LIQUOR    HARLAN, GREGORY KIRK    7301    UNIVERSITY AVENUE SUITE 900    LUBBOCK    794231465
UNIVERSITY LIQUOR    HARLAN, GREGORY KIRK    7301    UNIVERSITY AVENUE SUITE 900    LUBBOCK    794231465
GATOR’S BAYOU    CHILI DIPPERS LLC    5217    98TH STREET SUITE 100    LUBBOCK    79724
QUALITY LICENSING CORP. (STORE #8270)    QUALITY LICENSING CORP.    4304    W LOOP 289    LUBBOCK    794073730
7-ELEVEN #401    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    2902    4TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794153206
7-ELEVEN #414    SOUTHWEST CONVENIENCE STORES LLC    2423    4TH STREET    LUBBOCK    79415
E-Z MART # 699    E-Z MART STORES INC.    5702    4TH STREET    LUBBOCK    79416
E-Z MART #696    E-Z MART STORES INC.    6413    FRANKFORD AVENUE    LUBBOCK    79424
E-Z MART #241    E-Z MART STORES INC.    4426    34TH STREET    LUBBOCK    79410
E-Z MART #248    E-Z MART STORES INC.    5444    50TH STREET    LUBBOCK    79414
STRIPES NO. 222    SSP BEVERAGE LLC    4315    LOOP 289 NORTH    LUBBOCK    794155200
STRIPES # 206    SSP BEVERAGE LLC    202    50TH STREET    LUBBOCK    794043630
E-Z MART #339    E-Z MART STORES INC.    7402    QUAKER AVENUE    LUBBOCK    79424

IT MIGHT NOT BE OVER…

The TABC threw out the protests today regarding alcohol sales in Lubbock County. Here’s what part of the press release said,

Administrator Alan Steen stated that “The Legislature’s intent was for
local communities to determine wet/dry status. It was not their intent
to have this state agency second-guess or overturn the wet/dry
determination of the city or county officials.” Furthermore, he said,
“It is also my opinion that the people of Lubbock have ample opportunity
to dispute the local legal decisions within their own local court
systems. The protestants have the ability to file an injunction to stop
TABC from issuing permits until a court rules on the case.”

Any protests filed in Texas based solely on incorrect wet/dry
certification will be dismissed. The agency’s protest policy will be
revised to reflect this decision so that future protests may be
dismissed in a timely manner.

Sounds like great news right? Well don’t pop the cork just yet. As I’ve said on the show many times, there are still other legal routes people like Don Workman can use. If they wanted to (and do we really think they don’t want to?) the anti-alcohol protesters COULD file injunctions against the TABC in a local district court to block alcohol permits. Here’s what Don Workman told the AJ:

Protesters could now seek an injunction in a local district court against the commission to block new alcohol permits. Workman did not know Wednesday afternoon how the protesters would proceed.
“They feel that they have kind of been bulldozed over by the county,” Workman said. “I don’t know, I expect they’re kind of in the same shoes that I am in. You’ve got to get over the shock and then you make decisions.”

What will Don Workman and his people do? We will see, but don’t be suprised to see this issue back in the courts because of him.

TABC ISSUES STATEMENT, MAJOR DELAY IN ALCOHOL SALES

FROM THE TABC:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   August 20, 2009

Citizen Protests Delay Processing of TABC Permit Applications in Lubbock County

A countywide local option election was held in Lubbock County on May 9, 2009, legalizing the sale of:
-Alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption (e.g., beer, wine and spirits in grocery stores, convenience stores and liquor stores)
-Alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption in a restaurant that holds a food and beverage certification (e.g., beer, wine and spirits in restaurants)

Following the election, because of zoning issues, a temporary restraining order in the City of Lubbock prevented any permits from being issued within the city limits for several months. That restraining order was lifted on August 10, 2009.

However, delays will continue for businesses in Lubbock County. TABC has received three general protests, as well as several specific protests, regarding applications for new licenses and permits for locations in the county.

The basis for these protests is this: There is some disagreement among the citizens of Lubbock County (including within the City of Lubbock) over how to interpret a law that says that the wet/dry status resulting from a city or Justice of the Peace (JP) precinct election prevails against the status resulting from a countywide election. See Section 251.73 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code below.

Both sides of the disagreement have a legitimate claim, and it is a disagreement that will be settled in a court of law by a judge. TABC will take a neutral stance throughout the process.

Any application in the county for permit types that were not already legal prior to the May election could be subject to a protest hearing which will delay, or possibly stop, the issuance of the permit.

Protest hearings will be held in the City of Lubbock, either before the Lubbock County Judge or before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), depending on the type of license or permit involved.

“We recognize the sense of urgency on the part of the business owners and the community when it comes to having this issue settled, and we will move forward as quickly as possible.” said Public Information Officer Carolyn Beck. “Although the ballot measures passed with an overwhelming majority, TABC cannot issue permits without following the law.”

Because of the complexity of the issues, it could be several weeks before a hearing is scheduled. Because of full court dockets, it could be several months before any hearings take place.

“People on both sides of the issue feel very strongly,” continued Beck, “and both the protestants and the applicants will be given the opportunity to be heard by a judge. Our agency is committed to facilitating a fair and transparent process and keeping the citizens of the county informed as it moves forward. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the issue will be resolved quickly.”

Following the May 9th election, prior to protests being filed, several permits had already been issued in Lubbock County that were new permit types for the communities: Goble Supply Auto & AG Supply in Abernathy (wine and beer off-premises); Rick’s Place – Liquor in Wolfforth (package store and beer off-premises); Kwik Stop in Wolfforth (package store and beer off-premises); Cagle Steaks outside Lubbock city limits (mixed beverage in a restaurant). If a judge rules that these areas are dry, it is unclear at this time what will happen to these permits. However, TABC does not have the legal authority to cancel a permit without the permit holder being given an opportunity to be heard before a judge.

Contact:   Carolyn Beck, Public Information Officer, 512-206-3347

Additional Information

Wet-Dry Certification
Before TABC processes a license or permit application, the city and county must certify the application as being at a location that is wet for that type of permit. TABC issues licenses and permits based on the wet-dry certification from the city and county. TABC’s role is not to determine whether a location is wet or dry. Any disagreement with the city or county’s wet-dry certification will be settled through a hearing process.

Relevant Excerpt from the Alcoholic Beverage Code
Sec. 251.73. Prevailing Status: Resolution of Conflicts. To insure that each voter has the maximum possible control over the status of the sale of alcoholic beverages in the area where he resides:
(1) the status that resulted from or is the result of a duly called election for an incorporated city or town prevails against the status that resulted from or is the result of a duly called election in a justice precinct or county in which the incorporated city or town, or any part of it is contained; and
(2) the status that resulted or is the result of a duly called election for a justice precinct prevails against the status that resulted from or is the result of a duly called election in an incorporated city or town in which the justice precinct is wholly contained or in a county in which the justice precinct is located.

What is a Protest?
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code provides opportunities for citizens and government officials to object to the issuance of a license or permit. The agency calls this process a protest.

Most of the grounds for refusal or denial of a license or a permit can be determined by TABC as part of the application process. If legal grounds exist and are found during that process, the applicant may be disqualified.

Some grounds exist for refusal or denial that are subject to interpretation on the basis of the facts involved.

What Role Does TABC Play?
It is the policy of TABC to provide every interested person, including TABC employees, government officials and citizens of Texas, a full and fair opportunity to object to the issuance of an alcoholic beverage license or permit based upon legal grounds established under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code or other law.

In service to this policy, TABC establishes a process by which protests to license and permit applications may be resolved in an efficient, timely, and consistent manner, giving due regard to the legal rights and interests of the agency, industry, other government units, and the public.

TABC’s job is not to take sides but to ensure that applicants meet all qualifications to obtain the license or permit as outlined in the Alcoholic Beverage Code.

Protest Hearings
In this case, protest hearings will be held in Lubbock County. The protesting party will be notified at least 10 days in advance of the time and place of the hearing. The hearing will be held according to the rules of the Texas Administrative Procedures Act, (V.T.C.A., Government Code, §2001 et seq.).

For a liquor permit, a judge designated by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) will inform all parties of the time, date, and location for the hearing. The judge will handle all pre-trial matters, make rulings as necessary and conduct the final hearing on its own merits.

For a beer or beer/wine license, the county judge, acting as an administrative law judge, will hold the hearing in the same manner as for permits.

In this case, because TABC will be a neutral party to the protests, both sides will have the opportunity to present evidence to the judge – the protestants and the applicants. A hearing on a single applicant is not likely to last more than a day.

The judge will have up to 60 days to file a ruling (proposal for decision), and then each side will have up to 15 days to file objections, and then another 15 days to respond to the opposing side’s objections. TABC Administrator Alan Steen makes the final decision, typically signing an order that concurs with the judge’s proposal for decision. Both sides are given 20 days to request a rehearing. If the application is denied and a request for rehearing is denied, the applicant may appeal to district court. If the application is approved and a request for rehearing is denied, there is no opportunity for the protestant to appeal.

DON WORKMAN DOESN’T WANT YOU TO BUY ALCOHOL

I will start off by saying I’ve never met Don Workman. I’m sure he’s a nice man who is deeply devoted to God and his Church. I’m sure he means well and only wants the best for his City, State, and Country.

That being said…

He’s trying to rob you of your vote Lubbock. Today I recieved the protest forms from the TABC office in Austin, and Don Workman along with Lauran Collins (both of Lubbock, though Workman used to live in Hockley County) are the 2 people in Lubbock protesting the election.

By the way Don Workman is a liar since he told KCBD that he was doing research for the parties. Turns out he was one of those parties.

Collins is using an ad from a 1950’s era AJ calling for people to vote against intoxicating beverages as her reasoning. Here is part of her statement:

Lubbock a local option election was believed held on August 6, 1950. Complainant has a copy of a petition printed in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal listing citizens requesting a “vote against the sale of all intoxicating beverages Saturday August 6.” The clipping did not have a year nor indicate if it was a county-wide or city of Lubbock option. Thus option was believed to have been held in the early 50’s. This should be of public record but complainant has not obtained the details as of this date.

Nothing solid there. From what I hear the TABC should have on record every election dealing with alcohol on record.

**UPDATE** The Collins protest was prepared by the same attorney that represents the Lubbock Area Baptist Association (LABA). His name, Craig Brummett.

There are also protests from people in Abernathy, Slaton, and New Deal. We will get to those on the show tomorrow.

More on this later and on the show.

LABA ISN’T DONE YET

This morning on LFN we spoke with John Hatch of Texas Petition Strategies (podcast) regarding a possible new delay in issueing permits for businesses to sell alcohol in Lubbock. Apparently LABA (Lubbock Area Baptist Association) and a man named Don Workman are working to prevent everything from moving forward. 2 protests have been filed with the TABC challenging the election, and we should know today whether the TABC will hear the protest or not.

It’s time for Workman and LABA to get out of the way and recognize the will of the people. The people in Lubbock County and the City of Lubbock spoke on this issue and the vote wasn’t even close. This is the work of desperate men (and women for you P.C. people) who are trying to cling to a power they once had in Lubbock. Now, they can use the legal system all they want. I don’t want their rights taken away. However, they must look at the future. By continuing this fight all they are doing is bringing a bad name to themselves and to LABA. Even if there was a re-vote in Lubbock, it would be a crushing defeat for LABA. Why not focus on other issues facing Lubbock?

Workman and LABA are no better than the liberals trying to force Healthcare down our throats. Just like the Democrats, they aren’t listening to you, the people. They are trying to force their ideals on the whole city.

The people have spoken. You may not agree with the results, you may not like the results, but it’s time to move on. The longer this goes on, the worse LABA, Workman, and others will look.

To hear this morning’s interview with John Hatch click HERE.

LUBBOCK CITY HALL NEEDS TO GET IT TOGETHER

Last night the City Planing and Zoning Comission voted 8-0 on new zoning restrictions. In large shopping centers the stores can be any size they want. In other locations they will be limited to 8,750 sq.ft. which is up from the original 3,000. I’m fine with these changes and I think most people will be as well.

The problem I have is with City Hall. Who exactly screwed this thing up? According to Thursday’s AJ, the owner of Pinkies went to Mayor Tom Martin in DECEMBER, EARLY DECEMBER, about this very issue. Martin got ticked and it seems like he refused to sit down at the table with Pinkies. Here’s part of the AJ’s story:

But Majestic Liquor Stores Inc. and Pinkie’s Inc. argued Lubbock violated state laws by setting stricter rules for businesses that sold alcohol than Texas allows.
Pinkie’s representatives said as much in early December, when the city gave final passage to the ordinance and the retailer warned they could “challenge” the size requirements council members eventually passed for the predominant retail zone throughout the city.
The warning frustrated Mayor Tom Martin, who opposed allowing the city’s ordinances on alcohol to fall apart like building restrictions in North Overton before the modern redevelopment project.
“I’m sick of this,” Martin said. “Somebody’s been going around trying to lobby for the whiskey zoning all over town, like we need to have it on every street corner.

That last quote sounds like something a member of TAAS would say, but remember the Mayor didn’t take a side. If Pinkies went to the Mayor in December about this very issue, why did he not listen? This could have been settled long before the election.

Now, lets take a look at what Randy Henson, the chief planner has to say about the Law in the AJ today. Remember the comission passed the new zoning last night.

Package stores could not compete in the same areas as grocery stores, which can soon legally sell beer and wine, under the ordinances, Majestic Liquor Stores Inc. and Pinkie’s Liquor argued in a lawsuit seeking the order.
The retailers’ filing also opposed size restrictions placed on alcohol stores not imposed on other businesses.
City attorneys agreed the objection had merit and will spend the summer changing their ordinances to comply with Texas law.

“It’s about the clearest piece of state law I have ever seen,” Henson said.

So it’s clear today, but in December it wasn’t? If it’s so clear then why did the planing and zoning comission and the City Council BOTH pass these regulations? Why did the Council pass something that was against the law?

I also don’t like the fact that the Mayor seems to be inviting lawsuits over this issue. Remember folks, if the City is sued, then YOUR tax dollars will be used. Shouldn’t the Mayor be saying that this is it and should result in NO lawsuits? It seems like everytime a mic is put in front of him lately he talks about “possible lawsuits”. This from KCBD:

Mayor Tom Martin says regardless of what the council decides there’s nothing stopping anyone from filing a lawsuit. “Whatever the council decides still could be challenged by this group of plaintiffs or any other group of plaintiffs. Hate to say it but, it’s almost a never ending battle because anyone who feels a grief can go pay their few dollars to file a suit. There is no magic bullet,” says Mayor Martin.

Mr. Mayor, many cities have gone through this and they can do it without lawsuits and without their Mayor thinking there might possible be a lawsuit. Why can’t Lubbock?

Someone is to blame for this issue continuing and the longer it takes, the worse it looks for City Hall. So who is to blame? I’m not sure exactly who and maybe (probably) there is more than one person to blame. Could it be that someone is deliberately holding up the process because of their own personal views on alcohol sales?

Another question to ask is, if the Council and Zoning comission folks knowingly voted on zoning that was against the law which meant putting a hold on the process, should they still be around?

Just a few things to think about. Leave your comments.

LUBBOCK COUNTY WET, BUT…

Well it looks as though the election was legal, but of course there are some people out there still trying to cause problems for all of us heathens that would like lower prices and the ability to buy wine at the store. Here is the latest from the county:

No previous elections conflict with the wet status of any area in Lubbock County, according to an opinion sent from the county’s civil division to the clerk’s office.
John Grace, an assistant criminal district attorney in the county’s civil division, wrote in a letter released Monday afternoon that “all areas of Lubbock County should now be considered ‘wet’” for the sale of off-premise alcohol and mixed drinks.
“I note specifically that I can find no record of any election to prohibit any type of alcohol by any jurisdiction within the county,” Grace wrote.
Issues in the state’s alcohol code and a recent attorney general’s ruling had called the wet or dry status of some areas into question after May 9’s landslide vote to allow alcohol sales.
County commissioners certified the results of that vote at a special morning meeting.
The letter refers to a request by County Clerk Kelly Pinion for an analysis on the county’s wet and dry status. (link)

Sounds great right? Time to kick this thing off and start giving out licenses! Wrong. Remember the Strip? Well they are still in negotiations with the City of Lubbock regarding zoning and building size. Should the stores be able to be larger than 3,000 sq. ft.? Maybe, but that’s not MY issue right now. Here is the latest regarding the lawsuit by the strip:

Medina approved a 90-day extension to the temporary restraining order against alcohol licenses he gave in early May. Both sides had agreed to the extension last week.
The lengthy extension covers the amount of time it could take to approve new zoning rules. The ordinance could go before Lubbock’s planning and zoning commission in early June and before the council by July. (full story)

So, it could be August or later before Lubbock starts seeing alcohol sold in stores. Of course the Strip wanted 90 days to figure everything out because they still want the money (I don’t blame them). If you wait until July before the City Council decides anything then the Strip has been able to cash in on all the Summer sales. Memorial Day, 4th of July, weekends at the pool, etc., nice isn’t it? The City of Lubbock needs to get this zoning deal hammered out fast. No one on the Council has any reason to want to see this play out for months. The people of Lubbock have spoken, and it’s time for the City to act. At the end of the day the Mayor nor any of the council members would benefit from the Strip raking in more money while they draw this thing out.

Or could they?

SOME STILL DON’T GET IT

Lubbock County is now wet thanks to the voters and also to the Chamber for getting the ball rolling on a petition drive. From day one I was pro-vote and pro-sales, and I never tried to hide the fact that I felt that way. To some this was a problem and all of a sudden I became an outspoken activist. The problem is, the people who thought that way obviously have no idea what my philosophy is when it comes to radio.

There are many different types of radio show hosts. Some depend solely on callers and giveaways while others hardly ever take calls and really don’t care about your opinion. Other shows take calls when they can and hopefully the callers can mesh with the show. Personally, I like taking calls if they are on topic and the caller can bring something to the show. Hopefully you, the caller, can bring a new idea and some insight into what we are talking about.

Now, alcohol sales in Lubbock. Yes, I was for it and very happy that it passed. Was I harsh to the TAAS people? Possibly at times, sure, but at the end of the day it’s politics and that’s what happens. I saw a group that told people they were trying to represent the moral and religious part of the community, yet at times they lied and deceived people. I was called a “drunk” and an “outspoken activist” by one Baptist minister in town and I had never met this person. I wasn’t surprised though, I knew the stance I took on the election would be unpopular to some, but I don’t do a show that is meant to be fair and nice to everyone. I don’t always want everyone to agree with me. I was even told by people in our company that there was no way I could win with people. I disagree.

Lubbock’s First News and The Chad Hasty Show were the 2 most outspoken shows in Lubbock when it came to this issue. My goal is to provide an entertaining, thought provoking radio show that debates ALL the issues. Some shows tried to skate around the election, but not me. LFN and The Chad Hasty Show will always talk about the issues that matter, and it doesn’t matter how controversial the topics are. Sure, I might have made some of listeners mad by taking a stand, but anytime a host takes a stand on an issue someone is going to disagree with you. Last week the AJ didn’t endorse either side of the alcohol debate and in my opinion, any local media outlet that didn’t sound off on this issue lost credibility. LFN showed that we aren’t afraid to discuss the issues and I can tell you right now that we will continue to bring you blunt, honest opinions and take yours as well. Something you should also remember, I don’t have to be fair. Sure the name of the program has the word “news” in it, but it’s not a news show. It’s an opinion show.

There are some who say that to them this wasn’t an important issue. I don’t buy that. If you live in Lubbock County, than this election effected you and every election is important. Some say we spent too much time talking about the election. I don’t agree. This was one of the biggest elections for Lubbock County in years. This election split people, churches, friends and neighbors. How could this not have been big news? How could I just ignore it?

I wasn’t an out spoken activist for the FOR side in the election. I am the host of 2 radio shows that aren’t afraid to talk about the issues that matter. I don’t regreat a word I said during the election. I provided entertainment, opinion, and information, oh and we provided a place for you the listener to either agree or disagree with us. Oh, and just incase you forgot, 64% of people agreed with at least some of what I was saying.

Yes, the FOR side won, but so did we. LFN and The Chad Hasty Show won because we weren’t afraid to talk about this and I wasn’t afraid to take the heat from some people out in the community and some within my own building. I gave my opinion and so did many others. It just goes to show that LFN is the show to listen to for REAL opinions on ALL the issues. We will continue to do it no matter how unpopular it may seem to some people. LFN will continue to entertain, inform, and give you a chance to voice your opinion. THAT’S my philosophy. It’s also the reason why LFN and The Chad Hasty Show continue to grow and get more listeners. It’s the reason why LFN is the number 1 morning talk show.

As always, thank you for listening. Now it’s time for Lubbock to move on and focus on the next fight.

PODCASTS FROM THIS MORNING POSTED

I have posted audio from 2 segments of the show this morning. If you missed the interview with Congressman Randy Neugebauer, you can check that out. Also, I posted a little bit of our discussion from the alcohol sales discussion. I will post a blog later on this. I have been attacked by other show hosts and people around town for having an opinion on this issue, so trust me, I have much more to say.

Check out the audio online HERE

VICTORY! LUBBOCK GOES WET!

I was wrong and I’m just fine with it. 65% of voters voted to make Lubbock wet. This was a huge win for those who fought for this. It all started with the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce having the guts to call for a vote, and man did the people show up to vote. This was also a crushing defeat to TAAS and to a few ego’s out there.

Sunday and Monday morning I will have more to say on this issue. For now though, it’s been about 7 hours since Lubbock County voted to make Lubbock wet, and fire hasn’t rained down on the City…so that’s something.

Goodnight, Cheers, and Happy Mother’s Day!