I'm personally torn on this subject. If your county has any type of ban on alcohol, you will immediately be perceived as a "Hick-town", exactly what Athens is NOT!
Many businessmen "wine & dine" clients. So how can they "wine & dine" when they can't get a glass of Merlot with their steak on a Sunday?
That being said, if you think that selling alcohol in your area will not change it, you’re fooling yourself. I think the locals have to ask themselves, do you want to retain the local flavor of Oconee County? This area of the world is laid back, and we enjoy a slower pace of life. That's why I moved here. I hated living in Atlanta and Alpharetta.
Personally, I think this should be hammered out in the voting booth.