The Parsons City Commission holds a public hearing on a waiver request that would allow a business to sell alcohol within 800 feet of Parsons Middle School.

 

At this week's commission meeting, business owner Desiray Allen asked commissioners for a waiver that would allow his business to sell alcohol near the school. A Parsons City Ordinance prohibits the sale of alcohol within 800 feet of a school. Allen stated that other business have been granted waivers in the past. He says his business plans to be a good neighbor.

 

Several citizens spoke against the waiver being granted, citing the fact that there were already vape shops located near the middle school.

 

Commissioner Eric Strait says that, while Allen raised some good points, he simply wasn't comfortable with the location.

 

Mayor Kevin Cruse says nearly all Parsons residents who have spoke to him about the waiver have been opposed to it.

 

The issue of the location of the vape shops came up during the discussion more than once. City Manager Jeff Cantrell told those at the meeting that the state not the city regulates those retailers. He says there aren't a lot of restrictions on where they can operate.

 

When polled unofficially, all commissioners agreed that they would likely vote against the waiver, with Leland Crooks stating that he would recuse himself from the vote because he had previously spoken with Allen about the issue.

 

In the end, no official vote was taken and the request was allowed to expire without the waiver being issued.