A sale by the drink referendum passed Tuesday with 55.29 percent of the vote in this Berrien County town.

The referendum will allow the city to issue licenses to sell distilled spirits for beverage purchases.

Out of 378 votes, 209 voted yes on the measure while 169, or 44.71 percent, voted no.

A request to consider the referendum was brought before the Nashville City Council on Jan. 26 by an area restaurant owner, Cindy Watson of the Cadillac Ranch.

In a written statement to council, Watson cited the downturn in the economy and the increase in taxes, utilities, minimum wage, insurance and food costs as affecting the cost of doing business.

The mark-up on alcohol would provide businesses with an opportunity to offset rising menu costs while keeping food at a reasonable price, Watson stated.

In a previous interview with The Valdosta Daily Times, City Clerk Johnny Hall said that if the referendum was approved the city’s attorney would then begin outlining how restaurants and other establishments would be licensed.

Until the referendum passed, customers could bring in liquor and mix a drink on the premises. Distributing the alcohol through the business allows them to control the amount of alcohol consumed in each drink, Watson stated.

“The State of Georgia requires each bartender serving mixed drinks take a course to become certified and receive a license,” she said. “The course is designed to teach responsible serving practices to all bartenders. Licensed bartenders are subject to fines if they do not adhere to these guidelines.”