Voters decide Old Friendswood will be wet

After nearly five decades, Old Friendswood is dry no more.
On Tuesday, voters approved two propositions that will allow the sale of alcohol in a central portion of the city that includes downtown and stretches from Clear Creek to Sunset Drive and from FM 2351 to FM 528.
The first proposition, which passed 2,505-1,163, will permit the sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption in Old Friendswood. This will allow grocery stores to sell beer and wine.
The second proposition, which passed 2,648-1,021, will permit regular restaurants to sell mixed drinks. Until now, only those with private-club licenses could sell mixed drinks.
A city election in 1963 made Old Friendswood dry,
and overturning those rules began with a petition drive by Friendswood Citizens for Better Business, a political action committee.
Mayor David Smith said the change will boost business in Friendswood's central district.
I'm very pleased that the majority-plus people supported it," said Mayor David Smith.
Smith said restaurants had been waiting to see if the second proposition would be approved before making a decision on whether to build in the city's downtown area.
We will see the impact that it's going to have on the community within a short period of time," Smith said.
The passage of the first proposition levels the competition for those like the Kroger at 151 N. Friendswood Drive, which hasn't been allowed to sell alcohol while stores elsewhere in Friendswood could.
Even with both propositions being approved, the integrity of the city will remain intact, Smith said.
We have safeguards for that," he said. This was not an issue of heritage or history, but rather one of economic fairness."