Winery Owner Ecstatic after Voters Ok Sunday Sales

The owner of a local winery says he is very happy, after voters in his precinct decided to allow Sunday alcohol sales there.

Allen Dossey, the proprietor of Purple Toad Winery in Lone Oak, says he was thrilled when he learned that voters had passed the measure to allow Sunday sales by a 59-23 margin in Tuesday's special election. Dossey and his wife, June have operated the winery for the past six years. He says being able to sell on Sundays will mean a big boost to their business.

"Sunday is your second largest day," Dossey said. "Usually you do around 30-35 percent of your weekly sales on Saturday. Sunday is usually 18-22 percent. We'll have to hire some more employees."

Dossey said he and others worked hard to get the measure to a vote, going door to door to get the required signatures to get it on the ballot. He says Sunday sales will do a lot to help the local economy, bringing with it more jobs and extra revenue for other area businesses.

"We're gonna have to hire more employees. The more we go through, it's gonna help the farmers. We're also gonna bring more tourism," Dossey said. "For every dollar we receive here, it usually brings three to seven to the community. That's what a winery brings to an area."  

Dossey said he is planning to be open from 1-6:00 pm on Sundays, as soon as the required paperwork with the state is approved in 4-6 weeks.