Almost 60 percent of Spencer County voters said "yes" Tuesday night to alcohol sales in a special, wet-dry election. The county joins its neighbors in turning "wet." You won't be able to order all of your favorite drinks at local restaurants.  State law will restrict what alcohol you'll be able to buy, because Spencer County is so small with a population of 17,000.

It took less than an hour to count the votes that will change Spencer County's future forever.

"There are some old folks out here and some religion, which is a good thing. But they also need to know about the growth and what can happen and what it can bring," said Robby Sperzel, who voted for alcohol sales.

Supporters believe alcohol sales could help bring a factory and new jobs to the fast-growing area. The local economic development authority first championed the cause last spring.

Nine of the eleven precincts and absentee ballots favored alcohol sales. 40 percent of voters cast ballots in the special wet-dry election. That compares to a 70 percent turnout in last year's presidential election.

Well-organized opponents included local churches and a group called SAFE that promoted family values.

"I think apathy certainly could have played a role in it. People thought no way it is going to pass so they stayed home. But at the same time, Spencer County has changed a lot in the last decade or so. Opinions have probably changed a lot. So that probably played a role as well," said John Shindlebower, with SAFE.

You won't be able to buy a beer in Spencer County right away. The county must first set up an alcoholic beverage commission which then will issue licenses to various businesses. State law will allow sales of beer and wine at restaurants, the opening of as many as eight liquor stores and unlimited licenses to sell beer at convenience stores and groceries. State law will not allow sales of mixed drinks or cocktails and it will not allow bars that serve alcohol only.

"I think we can try to have at least some voice on that commission to do some things to keep our county as safe as possible," said Shindlebower.

Opponents fear an increase in DUI arrests, domestic violence and other crimes and nuisances associated with alcohol. Supporters are happy Spencer County now joins its surrounding counties in allowing alcohol sales in some form. They add that the long-time ban on alcohol sales hasn't kept booze out of the county. Those who wanted alcohol bought it in those surrounding counties and brought it home.

Sperzel said he looked forward "to be able to buy a 12-pack of beer down here somewhere."

More state sales and alcohol tax money should trickle down to the county as well.