The effort starts with a petition drive this weekend. It focuses on parts of north Amarillo, particularly areas north of Plains Boulevard and beyond Amarillo Boulevard, between Western and Coulter streets. Organizers want to change current restrictions so businesses can apply for mixed-beverage permits, which allow qualifying restaurants to serve liquor and other alcoholic drinks.
Signatures must come from qualified, registered voters in the precinct, and the proposal has to make the ballot before any change can happen. Organizer Jackie Payne says the current restrictions have limited restaurant development in the area.
Payne points to Amarillo Boulevard and Bell Street, where Walgreens and Walmart can sell alcohol off premise. "Look at the development that's occurred there," Payne said. The same kind of opportunity in north Amarillo, Payne said, "would help enhance job opportunities."
For residents, the pitch is simple. Potter County resident John Belew, 66, says living in north Amarillo often means traveling farther to reach the businesses he needs. "There's nothing really close to where I can get to," Belew said.
He calls the area really beautiful.