Town of Gretna considers ‘wet’ status

Gretna could be on its way to becoming a wet town on Sundays.

The Town Council will discuss at its May meeting whether to petition Pittsylvania County Circuit Court for a referendum asking voters to approve Sunday beer and wine sales. Town Councilman Michael Bond said local vendors have asked him to find out the procedure for allowing the sale of beer and wine in the town’s stores on Sundays.

During a telephone interview Wednesday, Bond said he would like to see beer sales at football games and races. Out-of-town customers, including those from Smith Mountain Lake, have complained when they drop into town on Sundays and can’t purchase beer, he said.

In order to bring the matter to a referendum, the Town Council would need to vote to ask the Clerk of Court to put the question on the November ballot, Town Manager David Lilly said. Another option would require a private citizen to gather signatures from at least 100 registered voters or 10 percent of registered electors — whichever is greater — and file the petition with the clerk, Lilly said.

The town manager said he is not sure whether the council will approve or even vote on the issue.

“It’s not a definite thing, but they’re talking about it,” he said Wednesday.

Lilly, a non-drinker, said he can see both sides of the issue. He also said he would disallow the sale of alcoholic beverages across the board if he had a choice.

“I see nothing good that comes from drinking,” Lilly said. However, he said he recognizes the economic benefits of alcohol sales for local businesses.

Localities around Gretna have Sunday beer and wine sales, including Campbell and Franklin counties. Danville and the town of Hurt allow Sunday sales, but Chatham does not.

Fred Ingram, who represents Fred Ingram, who represents the Callands-Gretna District on the Pittsylvania County Board of Super-visors, said he supports opening up beer and wine sales on Sundays. Ingram, who owns Crossroads Restaurant in Gretna, said he would never serve alcoholic beverages at his establishment. However, allowing Sunday sales at convenience stores and dining establishments in the town and the rest of the county would help the local economy, he said.

Pittsylvania County forbids sale of beer and wine on Sunday.

“We need to do everything we can to stimulate business in Pittsylvania County,” Ingram said.

Contact John R. Crane at or (434) 791-7987.