Townhouse Restaurant Still Selling Beer & Wine in Bonifay
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Updated: 10:16 PM Aug 11, 2009
Townhouse Restaurant Still Selling Beer & Wine in Bonifay
A restaurant has become the latest topic of controversy in Bonifay for selling beer and wine to customers. Last Thursday, City Council members reversed their previous decision to grant "Townhouse Restaurant" an exemption from their alcohol sales ordinance. But the owners are still selling it, claiming the meeting was "null and void."
Posted: 10:16 PM Aug 11, 2009
Reporter: Vanessa Nguyen
Email Address: vanessa.nguyen@wjhg.com

Bonifay's Townhouse Restaurant
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A restaurant has become the latest topic of controversy in Bonifay for selling beer and wine to customers.
Last Thursday, City Council members reversed their previous decision to grant "Townhouse Restaurant" an exemption from their alcohol sales ordinance.
But the owners are still selling it, claiming the meeting was "null and void."

It's almost lunchtime at "Townhouse Restaurant" but nobody's here.
"We used to be very busy. We used to have every table in the place full at lunchtime. Now, we're lucky to have two or three."
Kelcey Duke and her husband, Rocky, say it's because of all the scrutiny they've received for selling beer and wine.
It all started when Bonifay City Council members granted the Dukes an exemption from the City's alcohol sales ordinance last month.
The decision would allow them to sell beer and wine with food orders only.
However, the Council reversed their vote last Thursday night after people were apparently upset when they saw alcohol advertisements in front of the restaurant .
But the Dukes are still selling it.
Why?
"An attorney has contacted the property owner regarding the variance, stating that the meeting was 'null and void' due to not providing proper notification in the newspaper."
The Dukes say they did not know about the meeting until Wednesday night, one day before.
They also feel the community has tarnished their reputation.
"The Dukes say this whole situation has severely impacted their business. They no longer serve a lunch buffet and had to let go of almost all of their employees."
Ironically, the Dukes have received a lot of support from people in Panama City and DeFuniak Springs.
But very few in Bonifay.
75-year-old Harold Coomer is one of them.
"Down the street, all the windows are knocked out of the local tavern down there. They have no problem with that. Yet a little old sign that says 'happy hour' they get all excited over."
We talked to Bonifay Mayor James Sims Jr. but he refused to comment on the issue.
City Attorney Luke Taylor said they do not want to say anything pending the Dukes' lawsuit.
He also said he has not had the chance to research their claims.
The Dukes say this experience has drained them physically, mentally and emotionally.
But they refuse to give up without a fight.
"Yes, we will fight. We know our legal rights, we know a variance was given to us."

The Dukes say they have been in contact with several attorneys, including the American Civil Liberties Union, to proceed with their lawsuit.


Latest Comments

Posted by: m Location: bonifay on Oct 7, 2009 at 07:05 PM

It is so very sad to see that the unmoral majority get their way these days. If you look at the website for the town of Bonifay it states we are the belt buckle of the bible belt. The owners of the building and the owners of the business had to know that before they bought. And if they ever intended to stay in the towns good graces they wouldnt have stirred all this ruckus up. Looks to me like another new age business trying to make out off a lawsuit if they cannot make it honestly. I do hope we have a lasting refuge for people of good character and strength, christians the world can be proud of. If you want a drink, please frequent one of the millions of towns elsewhere, we will be busy trying to keep our children safe and town crime free. Thanks.
Posted by: Upgrade Location: Here on Sep 13, 2009 at 12:17 PM

Why is Bonifay so afraid of growth? At this time in America, We should be encouraging growth and cheering on the ones who can run a business here. Seems to me if you weren't born here, you don't belong. It's been like that for decades. Ive been living here 35 years and still feel like an outsider. Where is the generation that is going to help Bonifay strive????
Posted by: Not Even Location: Here on Sep 1, 2009 at 12:14 AM

Bonifay, nor HOlmes County, want GROWTH. Talk about STUCK in the past. Ask the pharmacy owners about the fit they pitched to keep Wal-Mart and Winn-Dixie out of Bonifay. Worked too. Residents are still trying to figure that one out!
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