A few local Baptist churches are investing a good deal of money and time in hopes of encouraging Carroll County voters to reject a referendum that would allow for permit package sales by retailers of both malt beverages and wine on Sundays in unincorporated Carroll County.

“A lot of church goers hold to the fact like I do that Sunday’s used to be more of a sacred holy day. In our culture, it has gotten far from that,” said Pastor of Roopville Road Baptist Church, Stephen Peeples. “This is one last stab at trying to keep as much of the Lord’s day as we can.”

Peeples said he recognizes this campaign will not stop people from buying alcohol, but if it could prevent one alcohol-related accident or alcohol-related domestic incident, the time and money invested will be well worth it.

“Increased availability leads to increased sales, which leads to increased consumption, which leads to increased problems for Carroll County. And all of those type matters are indicative of issues that revolve around alcohol consumption. And according to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, in 2015, Carroll County was ranked number 4 in the state in alcohol related fatalities,” said Peeples.

Peeples said the churches have so far invested more than $5,000 in their campaign, using billboards and yard signs to encourage residents to reject Sunday sales in unincorporated Carroll County. Early voting for the May 22nd primary election and the Sunday sales special election continues this week into next week.