Atwood BP Beer Sales Discussion Tops Meeting

Atwood BP’s quest to sell beer is far from over, as discussions regarding the store’s denied beer license dominated much of Atwood’s town meeting Thursday evening. Tensions flared as members of the board, public, and guests exchanged sharp opinions on the matter.

Aside from members of the public, four guests were in attendance: Anas Salah, owner of Atwood BP; Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputy and Atwood resident Nick Roberts; Attorney Tim Crocker, representing Salah and his store; and Christina Shupert, a court reporter hired by Crocker to record the meeting.

Shupert, seated at the front of the room next to Atwood Town Recorder Amanda Browning, documented the exchanges on a stenography machine throughout the meeting.

The meeting began with a swearing-in ceremony for newly re-elected Aldermen Ricky Long and Gerald Mauldin.

Atwood Mayor Fridie Agee administered their oath.

When the meeting moved to his name on the agenda, Atwood resident and Sheriff’s Deputy Roberts addressed the Mayor and Board.

“I’m here as a concerned citizen of Atwood,” he began.

Roberts highlighted several safety issues with the new bypass, including poor lighting and the high risk of accidents, particularly near the intersection leading to West Carroll High School.

He suggested potential ways to fund safety improvements, such as installing lights or additional signage.

Roberts then shifted focus to Atwood BP’s denied beer license, pointing out a missed opportunity for the town to generate much-needed revenue.

“With the revenue from sales at Atwood BP, we could put lights on that bypass and make it safer for everyone,” he said.

Roberts also criticized the board for supporting businesses outside of Atwood’s city limits while seemingly blocking opportunities for local growth.

“It seems like every time this man wants to do something to better this community, we keep putting up a wall,” Roberts said, referring to Salah. “But by God, if somebody down the street, down here on county line wants to do something, oh, we’re all for it.”

Salah’s Attorney Addressees the Board

When Attorney Crocker, representing Salah, took the floor, he challenged the fairness of the board’s actions.

He argued that the denial of the beer license was rooted in conflicts of interest and a lack of fairness.

“My client has the right to a fair and level playing field,” he said.

Crocker argued that both Alderman Randy Long and his brother, Alderman Ricky Long, were disqualified from participating in discussions about the beer license.

“Randy Long has a financial conflict of interest by selling produce at the County Line store, which sells beer,” Crocker said.

He also mentioned that Ricky is disqualified by virtue of his familial relationship to Randy.

Crocker also entered into a discussion with Alderman Jim Lewis.

He pointed out alleged inconsistencies in Lewis’s stance against beer sales.

“My understanding is that you told my client it was against your religious beliefs [to allow beer sales]?” Crocker asked. “My further understanding is you told him that you did drink beer, but you bought it at the County Oasis.”

“What I’m not understanding—what he’s not understanding—is, if it’s a religious issue you’re standing on, how do you reconcile that with the fact that you acknowledge drinking beer and buying it?” Crocker pressed.

Lewis initially denied making such a statement but later conceded.

“I did not say it like that. I drink beer, yes,” Lewis admitted. “It’s not whether I drink beer—I’m a sinner, like all of us are. I make mistakes and drink a beer. That’s my problem, okay? But I also stand for the people in the town, and the majority of this town does not want this.”

Lewis emphasized that his position reflected the will of Atwood residents rather than personal beliefs.

“The issue isn’t drinking—it’s what the town wants and what’s in our policies,” he explained. “If the majority of the town came forward and said they wanted this, I’d listen, but that hasn’t happened.”

During Atwood’s July meeting, Lewis shared concerns about making the town of Atwood “wet”, potentially leading to an influx of bars.

During September’s meeting, Lewis did state his opposition to allowing beer sales at Salah’s store based on his religious beliefs.

Crocker then sought clarity on the ordinance itself, asking if the town outright banned beer sales or only prohibited them within 300 feet of a church.

He proposed that Salah could construct a facility meeting the distance requirement but expressed hesitation about committing to such an investment without assurance of approval.

“If my client builds this facility, will this board still deny him the opportunity to sell beer?” Crocker asked.

The board avoided a direct answer, and agreed to revisit the matter, and potentially holding a public referendum to let the public decide.

Other Business

Beyond the debate over beer sales, the Atwood town board addressed several ongoing matters during the meeting.

Concerns over water meter boxes were raised, particularly regarding customer responsibility for broken or tampered boxes.

The board reiterated that unauthorized tampering would be prosecuted.

Updates on the town’s new well were shared, noting that it is ready to go online pending final approval from engineers.

The board approved a purchase of chemicals necessary for maintaining operations at the water plant.

They also reviewed and approved a proposal for a laundry service to use the town’s water system, provided safeguards like filters are installed to prevent lint and debris from entering the sewer system.

Finally, the board discussed ongoing safety concerns on the Highway 22 bypass.

Mayor Agee clarified that while the bypass is not under the town’s jurisdiction, officials are collaborating with state and federal representatives to explore improvements.

Potential solutions, such as flashing stop signs and reflective paint, were discussed, though high costs and jurisdictional limitations remain obstacles.

Atwood’s next town meeting will be Thursday, January 9, 2025.