Mormon town votes to keep 109 year booze ban

A predominantly Mormon town has voted against the abolishment of a ban on alcohol sales that has been in place for 109 years.

A 109-year ban on alcohol will stay in place after citizens in Cardston, Alberta, voted against its removal

Founded in 1887 by Mormon settlers, Cardston in Alberta, US, has prohibited alcohol sales since it first became a province and remains in effect after citizens voted against proposals to remove the ban in a plebiscite held in the town on Monday.

The religion forbids drinking tea, coffee and alcohol, however local business owners were concerned the rules were having a detrimental effect and they were losing business to other communities that allow alcohol to be sold.

As a result, they lobbied for the non-binding plebiscite that would have restricted the sale of booze to restaurant with a meal, at the local golf course or recreational facility.

Out of the 3,500 residents of Cardston – 80% of who are Mormon – 1,089 voted ‘no’ and just 347 voted ‘yes’.

“I am not surprised because at the end once the people have had the chance to really consider the outcome of the prohibition law, it’s very difficult to have a middle ground,” Cardston mayor Maggie Kronen told Global News.

“At this point I would say this puts it to rest. I think perhaps you would have to have a new generation of people before it happens again.”