RANKIN COUNTY, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Legislation is working its way through the capitol to allow liquor and wine in restaurants on the Rankin County side of the Reservoir.
Currently there aren't any restaurants on the Reservoir property there but they say this could be the draw they need to get them there.
If the bill is signed into law, the Reservoir could add a splash of spirits into the mix on the Rankin County side. In fact, it could be just what that part of the Reservoir needs to amp up the empty space.
"We would look forward to some increased activity in terms of new restaurants and new leases in Rankin County," said John Sigman, general manager of the Reservoir.
Senate Bill 2526 is the last hope for the push this session. It would allow sales of wine and liquor by the glass in restaurants.
"It's been talked about for years. Early in this session there was a resort bill that did not make it out of one of the committees that had this same provision in it," said Sigman.
The bill specifies that the affected area would only be Reservoir property and John Sigman says there are some viable options for development there.
Flowood is one city in Rankin County that approved the by the glass sales. Since that vote in 2009, Cerami's once sluggish business has been revitalized.
"Being able to add this it opened us up a little bit because we had just a small bar and now we've grown. Our bar's grown, we've opened up a new lounge area," said Alissa Cerami.
A twenty percent increase on everything has approved their bottom line and kept them in Flowood.
"We wouldn't have stuck around in this area if it wasn't for being able to serve liquor and wine," said Cerami.
For now, there's no restaurants in the specified area, but the Rez hopes that changes.
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If the bill is signed into law, the Reservoir could add a splash of spirits into the mix on the Rankin County side.
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