By Dallin Koecher

December 10, 2007 | HYRUM -- The battle whether to keep Sundays dry in Hyrum came to end Thursday with a 4-1 vote, as the City Council passed a resolution to change the city's beer sales ordinance.

At the last council meeting Hyrum Chevron manager Ryan Kendrick asked the council to consider changing the city's Sunday beer ordinance, which prohibited the sale of beer Sundays. Kendrick, who said his business isn't pro-alcohol, just wanted a more direct competition with the new Maverick store in Nibley, which is allowed to sell beer on Sundays.

Thursday's meeting began with a public hearing, in which only one member of the community spoke. Tom Labau, a 47 year resident of Hyrum, spoke his mind with a few brief comments stating the ban as "outdated."

"One day a week doesn't make a difference on public health, welfare and safety…so why do we need it?" Labau asked.

Though comments were brief from the public the council did have quite a bit to say. Councilman Craig Rasmussen wasn't thrilled with the idea of changing the long established law, saying leveling the playing field is a weak reason to make a change.

"There is no such thing as a level playing field," Rasmussen said. "In my mind this doesn't justify us changing this ordinance."

Trying to make his point Rasmussen said the community government is based on morals, and even every decision people make is base on morals. He said the council has the responsibility to maintain the morals of the community.

Councilwoman Stephanie Miller spoke in defense of changing the ordinance, also about supporting local business and giving the people the right to make their own decisions.

"We (the council) have had the reputation in the past of not being very supportive," Miller said. "We don't have the right to say you can't because of our beliefs."

Deciding whether or not this is a moral issues was most of the debate. Councilman Martin Felix said the council can't make the decision not to sell beer on Sundays and sell things that are just as bad like cigarettes. He said the public needs to make their own decision.

Kendrick was pleased with outcome of the meeting. "I am happy to see the city council is open to the changing business needs of the community," Kendrick said.

In an interview before Thursday's meeting Kendrick said he wasn't concerned about selling beer, rather he was worried about losing customers. "It's ten times easier to lose a customer then it is to gain one."

In light of the council's decision Kendrick said, "I'm selling beer on Sunday."

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