A tobacco store near Yantis has begun the process of seeking a wet-dry election for Wood County Justice Precinct One.

Red Beard’s Tobacco, just south of Yantis on Hwy. 154, is publishing a public notice in this week’s Monitor advising that a petition is being sought.

If the petition is obtained, the organizers will have 60 days to secure at least 390 signatures of registered voters in Precinct One to present to county commissioners, who would then call for the election in November.

The number of signatures is determined by 35% of registered voters in the precinct who participated in the most recent governor’s election.

The company is seeking to have beer and wine sales for off-premise consumption approved.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission shows Precinct One to be partially wet, due to the portion of the city of Quitman that is included in the precinct.

Quitman allows beer, wine and distilled spirits for off-premise consumption and alcoholic drinks to be served at restaurants.

It is the only jurisdiction in the county that allows package liquor sales.

Precinct Three (Hawkins) is the only full precinct in the county with any alcohol sales. Beer and wine for off-premise consumption is allowed.

The cities of Alba, Mineola and Winnsboro allow beer and wine for off-premise consumption and alcohol served in restaurants.

The TABC list does not include Yantis, which is dry.

There are only five counties left in Texas that are dry, all in West Texas and the Panhandle.

All the counties of north and east Texas are considered partially wet.

The measure would appear on the November general election ballot, and if passed, become effective upon the official canvass of the votes.