Alcohol suit set for hearing, some expect further delay - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - A disagreement over zoning could stall expanded alcohol sales within the city of Lubbock for up to three months. That's the prediction of Lubbock Mayor Tom Martin.

Saturday marked one week since Lubbock voted for the expanded alcohol sales, but there is still one thing holding stores back from stocking their shelves. That's a lawsuit filed by Majestic Liquor Stores Inc. and Pinkies Inc.  It prevents the city of Lubbock and TABC from granting any new alcohol permits within the city limits.

Majestic and Pinkies say zoning ordinances approved by the Lubbock City Council in December are unfair and illegal. Both sides are set to discuss the issue during a court hearing on Monday, but Mayor Martin predicts they won't come to an agreement.

"It's my understanding that discussions between the attorneys for the plaintiffs and also the city, that there maybe a continuance granted on Monday for up to 90 days," Martin said.  Those suing the city specifically dispute size and location restrictions for packaged alcohol stores. We'll have more on this story tonight on NewsChannel 11 at ten.

©2009 KCBD NewsChannel 11. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Decision 2009 Election Coverage Get all of the latest election news & updates, including voting locations, in the Decision 2009 Election section.