Patsy Hazlewood, Republican candidate for Tennessee House representative of District 27, joined Publix Media Relations Manager Brenda Reid and House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick Monday at the Hixson launch of the petition drive calling for a referendum regarding wine in Tennessee grocery stores.
"Citizens now have the opportunity to petition for the chance to vote on whether Tennessee grocery stores will be able to sell wine," Ms. Hazlewood said. "District 27 includes six different municipalities that deserve to have a voice in this matter, and they now have the opportunity to make their opinions heard."
The referendum to permit or ban wine in grocery stores may appear on the Nov. 4 ballot in communities that already permit liquor-by-the drink, liquor stores, or both. Petitions must be signed by at least 10 percent of the total number of people who voted in the 2010 gubernatorial election in order to secure a referendum.
"The legislation recently passed by the Tennessee House and signed into law by Governor Haslam empowers local municipalities and local voters to make decisions within their own communities— a positive move," Ms. Hazlewood said.
Petitions will be available at various retail grocery outlets throughout the state. The deadline for filing the petitions is Aug. 21.
Ms. Hazlewood is running for Tennessee House representative of District 27. Early voting begins Friday, July 18, followed by election day on Aug. 7.
House District 27 includes the following municipalities: Chattanooga, Soddy Daisy, Walden, Lookout Mountain, Signal Mountain, and Red Bank.