Wilkinsburg, Bellevue Voters Okay Lifting Ban On Liquor Licenses
BELLEVUE (KDKA) -- Voters in a pair of area "dry towns" have approved referendums which overturn the ban on liquor licenses in their communities.
The restrictions had been in effect for decades.
Aaron Stubna, a barber in Bellevue, and a strong advocate of legal alcohol sales, attributed the victory in large part to social media.
Stubna said it is one thing to get people to sign petitions to put a referendum on the ballot, but it's another to make sure they follow through and vote.
Stubna says he believes the Internet played a key role of reminding people, especially the younger ones, the importance of voting on the controversial sales ban.
In 2011, a similar referendum to lift the Bellevue alcohol license ban lost by less than 90 votes.
Elizabeth Deye, 100, was one of those voting against lifting the ban in Bellevue.
After casting her vote, Deye told KDKA-TV News, "I'm not against alcohol. I'm against alcohol places where people can drink and drink and drink. That's what I don't like."
Bellevue is eligible for two liquor licenses at first. Wilkinsburg is eligible for up to five licenses.
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