By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Voters in a section of Bowling Green’s west side will get to decide one ballot issue next week that won’t cost them a penny – except later when they order a drink while dining out.
On Tuesday’s primary election ballot, voters in Precinct 110 will vote on allowing Sunset Bistro to serve wine and liquor on Sundays, from 10 a.m. to midnight. The citizens included in this vote are surrounded by Foxgate, Meeker Street, Wooster Street and Conneaut Avenue.
Sunset Bistro, owned by Prudy Brott, at 1220 W. Wooster St., has been open now for three years. The restaurant serves beer, wine and liquor on every other day of the week, but on Sundays can only serve beer and Verdi, a type of sparkling champagne.
“We’d just like it to be like the rest of the days of the week,” Brott said.
Restaurant employees went door-to-door to collect petition signatures to get the issue on the ballot.
“We had such a great response,” Brott said.
Customers at the bistro often ask for wine or liquor on Sundays, during the restaurant’s weekly brunch or later during evening dinners.
“They want to have a glass of wine or a cocktail,” she said.
There have been times when diners have left the restaurant when they find out that wine and liquor are not available on Sundays. And one regular group of diners often goes to one of their party’s homes for a drink then return to Sunset Bistro for dinner, Brott said.
The lack of liquor sales was particularly detrimental this past New Year’s Eve that fell on a Sunday. People were reluctant to make reservations, she said.
“It limits what we can do here,” Brott said.
Even if the voters pass the Sunday sales issue, Brott will still have to apply to the State Liquor Control for the proper license.
“It wouldn’t be immediate,” she said.
But people have been very supportive. “We serve responsibly, and people love the food,” Brott said.
