Linn County commissioners put liquor-by-the-drink food‑sales requirement on the ballot

The Linn County Board of Commissioners voted to add a ballot question to the upcoming regular election asking whether the county should allow the sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink in public places without requiring any portion of gross receipts come from food sales.

Staff explained that the proposed ballot language would remove the existing percentage requirement (the current local statute referenced a 30% threshold) and present an option that would allow a 0% food‑sales requirement if voters approve the measure. A commissioner emphasized the decision to place the question on the ballot does not indicate how individual commissioners intend to vote in the election, but rather lets voters decide.

Commissioners passed Resolution 2026‑14 to place the question on the ballot by voice vote. Staff noted that if citizens instead sought to place the measure on the ballot by petition, statute provides a process (a petition threshold by percentage of registered voters or a numerical requirement tied to past turnout) but the board’s action streamlines placement on the regular ballot this cycle.