Coneburg Inn owner speaks out on liquor law issues
Club serves customers responsibly, provides transportation if needed
"I'm all for liquor-by-the-drink," said Carolyn Anderson, owner of the Coneburg Inn, Peabody. However, she is concerned about the impact the change may have on her business.
"I rely on the revenue from the memberships to offset the cost of the liquor license," said Anderson. She was not sure if the possible increase in liquor sales would be more than the revenue in memberships.
Anderson also was concerned about the comments quoted in last week's Marion County Record regarding customers having to wait 10 days before eating in a club.
"It's up to the individual establishment to allow guests to eat and drink as a guest of the establishment," said Anderson.
Potential members of the Coneburg Inn can be guests of the restaurant up to three times, said Anderson.
"This allows time for the 10-day waiting period and they can still eat and drink in the club," said Anderson.
The Coneburg Inn has two establishments under one roof. One side is for 3.2 percent beer consumption that does not require an annual membership.
The other side is for members only and consumption of 6 percent beer and alcoholic beverages are allowed. Customers can be served food on either side.
Anderson said she has customers who come from within the county but have many who come from outside of Marion County because they do not want to go to Applebee's and other similar establishments.
The state's alcoholic beverage control division will not require Anderson to make any changes in her business operation, should the liquor-by-the-drink issue be passed by voters.
Anderson purchased the business three years ago. Her family moved to Peabody in 1960 and she considers Peabody to be "home."
"I serve my customers responsibly," said Anderson. "We provide transportation (from the establishment to their) homes for our customers, if necessary."
