Liquor stores in Christian County outside of the city limits will soon be able to stay open an additional hour.

Christian Fiscal Court passed an ordinance giving those establishments until 1am to stay open five nights a week. The vote was six to two, with Magistrates Mark Cansler and Terry Bowman voting “no.”

Magistrate Terry Bowman has said he would rather see their hours reduced than expanded, while Squire Cansler says he was happy with the hours already allowed to liquor stores.

Squire Tom Jones says he voted in favor of the measure, because he feels it gives liquor stores in the county an even playing field with ones in the city.

Joey Allen, who owns a liquor store in Gracey, has been the only person to come to Fiscal Court meetings in support of the ordinance.

In other action, Court gave authority to apply for federal grants to purchase emergency equipment for the Christian County Weather Spotters and Sheriff’s Office.

They also approved a $34,550 bid by Gilliiand Construction to do roof work on the courthouse.                                   

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01/24/2012/am