ROGERSVILLE — The application process for businesses that want to sell liquor is under way now that the Town Council has approved its first liquor ordinance.

“We are now ready for the application process,” Rogersville Mayor Richard Herston said. “At this point, anyone interested (in selling liquor) in the town can come to the Town Hall and pick up an application.”

Herston said once an application is completed and returned, a committee will review it and make a recommendation to the council.

State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board officials said once the council approves the application, it is sent to the state ABC board for final approval.

Rogersville residents voted Nov. 6 to allow liquor to be sold inside town limits.

Joe Warren, owner of Warren’s BP on U.S. 72, said he’s ready to get his application in and his license approved.

“I’m planning on trying to sell liquor and beer,” Warren said.

He said he has purchased another building adjacent to his business.

“I’ve got an architect working on the design right now,” Warren said Wednesday. “We’re going to double the size of our place.”

Herston said he has heard of at least eight businesses interested in selling liquor as well as a couple of restaurants.

“This is all new to us, so it’s taken us a while to get to this point,” Herston said. “Basically, we had to start from scratch. We took our time to make sure we had a good ordinance, one that will benefit the businesses as well as our (residents).”

Warren said he believes legalized sales will have a positive economic impact on the town.

“Honestly, I expect big things from this,” Warren said. “It may attract some new businesses to Rogersville. “I think it’s going to be a big plus for this town.”

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.