Tourists seek diversity in small town businesses
Staff reporter
Liquor-by-the-drink is an issue some consider to be moral and others just good business sense.
Bill Mann, co-owner of Buffalo Gulch Ranchhouse in Burns, believes it would significantly increase his profit margin and increase county tax revenue.
"I have turned down 10 or 11 people each evening," Mann said. "It may not seem like much but when you're only open three evenings a week, it's a lot."
Mann and Burns mayor Mary Glenn were the proponents in having the liquor-by-the-drink question placed on Tuesday's ballot.
"This is not a moral issue, but an economic issue," Mann said.
He added that most of the negative comments that he's heard are concerns about people driving after having a drink with dinner.
"We've got to have good laws and prosecute people who break them," Mann said.
That's one reason why he has a drink limit at his restaurant.
"There has to be competent people overseeing consumption," Mann said.
Mann noted there was a significant number of people who support his business and do not drink with their meals.
Currently in Marion County, if a person wants to have a glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage with a meal, a membership to the establishment is required.
The membership fees cost $11 per year and there is a 10-day waiting period before the membership can be utilized.
In Marion County, the Buffalo Gulch and Coneburg Inn in Peabody are the only private clubs that serve food.
The question on the ballot regarding liquor consumption, is for establishments with a minimum of 30 percent in food sales.
"The change in the law (liquor-by-the-drink) will not put a beer joint on every corner," Mann said.
Bob and Kathy Sprowls, owners of Kingfisher's Inn of Marion, recently said liquor-by-the-drink would certainly help them sell their restaurant.
The Sprowls closed the restaurant the first of October, stating a decrease in support from local and out-of-town customers.
When Margo Yates, executive secretary of Marion Chamber of Commerce, was contacted for comment she said the chamber does not take political positions on issues.
Affects on neighboring town
Chase County residents adopted liquor-by-the-drink in 1988, following the state's adoption of the law.
In November 1995, Grand Central Hotel & Grill opened in Cottonwood Falls, becoming the anchor business for the downtown district.
The upscale restaurant and hotel attracted people from all over the state and country.
Suzan Barnes, owner, said the business would probably still be in Cottonwood Falls even if there wasn't liquor-by-the-drink.
"We established it in Cottonwood Falls because we knew it would work," Barnes said. "I personally knew there was a need for an upscale property in the Flint Hills."
Barnes said she worked in corporate travel for 20 years and knew corporations were looking for unique locations for retreats.
Commercial areas, such as Branson, does not always appeal to the business person, Barnes said.
Being able to drink a glass of wine with dinner hasn't hurt the business any.
"Having a glass of wine with dinner is just part of the destination and atmosphere," Barnes said. "I don't get a lot of people who just sit here and drink. They dine."
Barnes said only about five percent of her total sales are alcohol.
In the next block on Broadway in Cottonwood Falls, is Sue Scott Smith, owner of Emma Chase Café and Prairie Maid.
Smith said she has the only smoke-free and alcohol-free establishment in the county.
"I think a person can eat without drinking," Smith said.
Smith said she promotes wholesome family activities.
She noted there are 11 businesses available in Chase County to purchase alcohol.
"There are 3,000 residents in Chase County," Smith said. "Nearly 1,000 are children in schools which leaves 2,000 adults. That's a lot of alcohol for 2,000 adults."
Smith said the county has a severe alcohol and drug problem.
"I'm not saying the accessibility is the cause of alcohol problems," Smith said, "but it doesn't help."
Smith said she enjoys having a glass of wine with a meal and does so when she is out-of-town for a special occasion. She would prefer it not be so accessible.
Marion County has 13 establishments that serve beer and alcoholic beverages for 13,360 residents, with memberships required in six of the businesses.
"My fondest wish is for it not to pass in Marion County," Smith said.
Deb Zeiner of Chase County Chamber of Commerce, said it's just one more reason for people to come to Chase County.
"We've got the attractions to bring people to the county and having the different restaurants and stores keeps them here," Zeiner said.
Numerous gift shops, retail stores, and restaurants line the downtown area.
Tourists are in the community year-round — spending time and money at businesses.
"We have business men from Kansas City who come down several times a year," Zeiner said. "They stay at the Grand Central Hotel and spend money in the downtown district."
Smith agreed that out-of-town customers are needed.
"Ninety percent of my clientele are from out-of-town," Smith said, "and 85 percent of them are repeat customers."
Smith said she attracts customers by offering numerous activities with good food.
As an example, her restaurant is open every Sunday noon, the only restaurant open on Sunday in Cottonwood Falls.
The first Sunday of each month is bicyclists' breakfast buffet, encouraging groups to come to her establishment and Chase County for the day.
The second Sunday is for antique auto buffs, and third Sunday for motorcyclists.
Each Friday evening live music is played at the restaurant, featuring different types each week.
To Smith, tourism is key to the success of her restaurant and alcohol has nothing to do with it.
For Barnes, she said she would still be in Cottonwood Falls with or without liquor-by-the-drink but knows it is an additional draw for her customers and for her.
"I personally think that if you have an upscale restaurant in Marion County with a nice glass of wine, I would patronize it," Barnes said.
What's next?
If liquor-by-the-drink passes by a majority vote in Tuesday's election, each incorporated city will have the option of adopting a similar ordinance.
However, cities are not required to take any action on the matter. If no action is taken, licensing will continue for private clubs.
