Alabama's largest 'dry' city to stay alcohol-free

HARTSELLE, Ala. (Christian Examiner) – Residents of a Morgan County, Ala. city by a slim margin voted down alcohol sales for a fourth time in 12 years.

According to news reports, voters in Hartselle, Ala., population 14,500, rejected the legalized sale of alcohol with a 2,622 – 2,391 vote, or 52 percent to 48 percent.

Hartselle is the largest "dry" city in the state, according to AL.com, and last voted on the issue in 2012. The margin was similar then, although in 2010, the margin was slightly wider.

The vote came months after the city's mayor, Don Hall, was arrested for drunk driving in Limestone County Ala.

In Alabama, a county may be dry, but each municipality of more than 1,000 residents may vote on the sale of alcohol.

Although Hartsell is in one of Alabama's 25 "dry" counties – Decatur in 2011 voted to approve seven-day alcohol sales.

Even most other "dry" counties have private situations that sell alcohol, according to a 2011 Associated Press Report. Of 24 "dry countries," the AP reported alcohol could be purchased in at least 22 towns or cities within their borders.