When Murray began selling alcohol in restaurants eight years ago, Mark Doran opened a taxicab company called Bri’z. Everyday Doran drives people across the state line to Tennessee to buy alcohol or to go to a bar. His best time for business is from midnight until 3 a.m. Doran goes above and beyond what a normal cab driver would do, often spending extra time with people and charging them less in order to help them.
Despite liquor critics’ fears, the town has not taken a turn for the worst since legalizing alcohol sales.
“Murray doesn’t have a bad part of town,” Doran said.
The alcohol sales debate has not quieted, however.
“Every couple of years the town has the chance to vote on this huge issue and it divides the town,” Doran said.
“There are two groups fighting for change. … The churches want make the town dry because they believe that anything that alters your personality is a sin. Most people just want a place to be social and have a drink with friends.”