The Jasper City Council voted down Sunday alcohol sales in Jasper before a standing room only crowd Monday. The council also refused to alter an ordinance requiring a 300-foot buffer between establishments that sell alcohol and churches or schools. The current ordinance restricting sales of alcohol to between 7 a.m. and midnight, Monday through Saturday, and barring sales within 300 feet of a church or school, remains in place. Proposed changes would have allowed for Sunday sales and would have removed the 300 feet buffer.

Eight citizens spoke and voiced their views on the issue, four opposing the proposed changes and four endorsing them. Speaking in favor of the proposed changes were Charles Contris, Vanessa Smith, Willie Reid, Sr. and Jo-Jo Sarvis. Citizen representatives opposed to the approval were Lamar Royals, Roy Yancey, Reverend Jerry Thomason and Grace McDonald.

On the issue of Sunday sales, Councilwoman Karen Bristol made motion to approve and Councilman Darnell Lumpkin seconded. Councilwomen Kathy Avriett, Ann Lessman and Elaine Rozier voted no and the proposal failed. A motion to remove the 300-foot barrier was never offered.

In other city business, Resolution 09-07-02, setting the times for opening and closing city parks was approved. Buddy Parker Park, Cypress Park and the City Park will open at 6 a.m. and close at 11 p.m.