The Oconee County Board of Commissioners, anticipating a large turnout tonight for its discussion of a liquor-by-the-drink referendum, moved its meeting from the relatively small Commission Chamber to the much larger Courtroom 1, but the change of venue proved to be unnecessary.

Only nine people spoke, with three of them expressing opposition to the proposal to put the issue before voters in November.

The remainder said they wanted citizens to have a chance to vote, though most did not take a position on what citizens should do once they go to the polls.

Joey Wilson, chairman of the Economic Education Committee of the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce, said he was certain that some people in the community want the issue on the ballot so they can vote it down, as voters have three times in the past.

Others want the issue to pass, Wilson said. Reflecting the position of the Chamber, Wilson said the BOC should put the issue on the ballot.

In the end, the issue was simply put off until the board meets at 7 p.m. on Aug. 5. Chairman Melvin Davis said last night he will ask for the board to vote then on whether it wants to put the issue on the ballot for the Nov. 4 election.

For more, visit Oconee County Observations.