Voters in this Fort Worth suburb will decide whether their city should get liquor stores

Mansfield business leaders say allowing liquor stores will lead to more economic development opportunities and additional tax dollars.

The city does not allow liquor stores, but that could change if voters approve a local option on the Nov. 5 ballot to allow package stores.

Election day is Nov. 5, and early voting begins on Oct. 21.

Sam Kartalis, managing partner for the Shops at Broad Street, said Mansfield should get the additional tax revenue, which is why he approached Texas Petition Strategies to get the necessary signatures from registered voters for the election to go forward. Arlington and Fort Worth allow liquor stores.

“Instead of traveling to other cities, why not keep the taxes in Mansfield?” he said.

Kartalis added that the city is “growing by leaps and bounds,” and citizens should decide if they want liquor stores.

The corner of U.S. 287 and East Broad Street is “the platinum intersection,” Kartalis said, with H-E-B, The Shops at Broad and popular restaurant in the area.

There are 10 acres available for development in the Shops at Broad Street, Kartalis said, and liquor stores have shown interest in coming to Mansfield, he said.

John Hatch, president of Texas Petition Strategies, said there were 9,800 signatures.

Hatch also said Mansfield, with around 74,000 people, would get approximately $420,000 in sales tax dollars per year if liquor stores are approved.

Joe Jenkins, president of the Mansfield Business Alliance, said he does not drink, but he is in favor of having liquor stores in the city.

“People drive 100 yards outside of Mansfield to buy their alcohol. Why not keep those tax dollars at home,” Jenkins said.