With Aug. 1 as the deadline to turn in petitions to the Pike County Clerk, the Vote Pike County Wet Committee (VPCWC) is asking for help from all the county registered voters in effort to achieve a ballot spot on this November’s election.
The group currently has 600 petitions and must collect around 1,800 more in the remaining time. A hot dog benefit was held last weekend in Murfreesboro and collected around 30 petitions.
By signing a petition, it will permit the issue to go to a ballot referendum for the voters to approve or disapprove of alcohol sales in Pike County, the group must collect the signatures of 38% of the county’s registered voters — 2,291 to be exact — to clear the legal hurdle for countywide consideration. The group currently sits at about 26% of their goal.
“If you have ever wanted to do even a small part to help Pike County grow, there is simply no easier way than to sign one petition,” said Lisa Harvill.
Local businessman Jack Bonds said the math is simple.
“If 1,000 Pike County residents purchase an average of $20 worth of alcohol a week, that is over one million dollars in taxable expenditures over the course of a year. If Pike County can draw the same revenue from Montgomery and Howard Counties, then it is three million dollars a year of taxable expenditures … and that’s not including what we would get from tourists visiting our area. The county and municipalities can certainly use that extra boost.”
Ultimately, Bonds said it is up to the people to make this happen or not.
“This is your moment to make a difference in sales, taxation, revenue and job opportunities, and all it requires today is your signature. This is it, and by August 1 it will be gone. We’re working toward big things for the county from a tourism standpoint. Bottom line, if you don’t sign a petition and we fall one short, you can’t complain in the future. Alcohol is part of tourism infrastructure across the nation, and it is the single best thing we can do to affect that industry here. All future growth of the county is tied to it.”
“Since the last election, four years ago, we have had a continued population decrease. We have attempted change this with building the grocery store and continued growth with community leaders. The whole point of it is that this decline in population reflects in our communities through businesses, schools and churches. We must take steps to grow … people tell me all the time that they like Murfreesboro the way it is, but it’s not the way it is — we are diminishing and going away. I want to see Murfreesboro back to 1,700-1,800 people the way it was when I moved here — that’s the way it was. The election allowing alcohol sales in the county is not just a monetary decision, but a decision for community growth.”
And for those against the issue, Bonds said simply that “if you can show me a better way, I’ll hold the flag with you … but all we have is tourism, and it’s hard to have expanded tourism numbers without alcohol.”
For more information on the group, visit Facebook page 2026 VOTE PIKE COUNTY WET.
For more information or questions on the effort, call Lisa Harvill at (870) 557-1860.
Those interested in signing a petition can visit:
Chimney Rock Grocery, Murfreesboro
Harvill Insurance,
Murfreesboro
Gypsy Underground Flea Market, Murfreesboro
OK Café, Glenwood
Tobacco Store, Glenwood
Langley Store, Langley
Residents can also look for popup “Sign The Petition” tents, or call the number above to verify the location of volunteers at locations across the county.
There will also be another public events for residents to sign a petition. On on Saturday, July 4, the Gypsy Underground will host a community yard sale in their parking lot in Murfreesboro and petitions will be available.
