Pleasant Garden residents approve ABC store, 56% to 44%, according to unofficial results

Residents of Pleasant Garden voted Tuesday in favor of bringing an ABC store to the town of about 5,000.

With 67% of early votes tallied and both of the town's precincts reporting, 56% voted to allow an alcoholic beverage control store to 44%, of voters against the move, according to unofficial results.

In order for a North Carolina town to hold such a referendum, at least 35% of the town's registered voters must sign a petition.

Proponents of ABC boards argue the profits from the sale of liquor in their communities can be funneled back into local economies and curb sales tax hikes.

Local high school librarian Melissa Rich said the issue had not been top of mind for her as a voter. "I didn't even know it was on the ballot until I went to vote,'' she said.

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