Since the sale of alcohol was approved by voters in the November 2011 election, four Lumberton businesses are now selling beverages.
The city of Lumberton tells 12 News HD Market Basket, Crawdad's Convenience Store, Texaco Fastlane and the Express Mart #14 have their liquor licenses.
Eight others are currently in the works to receiving their liquor licenses. The city secretary says Valero, HEB Pantry, Express Mart #12, Walgreens, Brick Oven Pizza Company, Lumberton Chevron, Rafael's Mexican Restaurant and the Big Thicket Country Store are all working to get their licenses in the coming weeks and months.
On Thursday, Crawdad's began selling beer for the first time. Tuesday, 12 News HD was there as the manager put the wine in the cooler for the first time.
"It's improving business and bringing more people in. Hopefully, it will get better," says Jacky Winfree, Crawdad's manager.
Also hoping to increase from alcohol sales in the near future is Rafael's Mexican Restaurant. The store manager tells 12 News HD they are just two weeks away from selling margaritas and beer.
"We have a margarita machine that we've already purchased and still in the box. We've already ordered glasses and things of that nature," says manager Dustin Roach.
Lumberton resident Jason Viator says he's enjoying the alcohol sales because it's close to home and convenient.
"When I get off of work, I don't have to drive all the way to Beaumont. I can just come right here and go straight home," he says.
