The City of Pearl's attempt to allow retail liquor stores hit a snag on September 2, 2025, when the Board of Aldermen voted down the proposed ordinance. Despite the recommendation by Mayor Jake Windham, the proposal fell short 5-2, leaving Pearl's liquor laws in place for now.

The Pearl liquor store ordinance would have implemented a regulated environment for retail sale of alcohol in the city. Liquor stores, under the proposed rules, would be permitted but with stringent regulations. These consisted of zoning requirements, a distance from residential areas, and a provision that businesses must occupy freestanding buildings. The objective, city officials asserted, was to strategically site liquor stores while spurring the local economy.

Mayor Windham disappointed with the decision

Mayor Jake Windham was disappointed with the outcome, saying the rejection would put the brakes on the city's economic momentum. Pearl already allows beer sales seven days a week and liquor by the glass in restaurants, but Windham argued that retail liquor stores would retain money from being spent elsewhere.

"I'd like us to continue to grow and continue to get better," Windham said to the Post following the vote. "This was just a tool in my tool chest so that we could move forward. I think it did slow us down a little bit."

Windham noted that Pearl residents often travel outside of town to buy liquor, so revenue and business are lost in tax. Had the city enforced the Pearl liquor store ordinance, the mayor averred, it would have been convenient for residents and beneficial to new business ventures.

Economic development vs. community concerns

Its proponents argued that Pearl would need new equipment to compete to bring people and businesses in. They pointed to the success of other cities in Mississippi at allowing retail liquor stores under controlled situations. The source of possible tax revenue, they argued, would be able to fund road improvements, schools, and civic programs.

Opponents did, however, voice concern, albeit, about the social and cultural impact of allowing retail liquor stores. Some members of the board had wondered whether liquor stores would spoil the city's family atmosphere or produce unwanted spin-off effects on certain neighborhoods.

The 5-2 tally reflected that divide, with the majority choosing caution over change.

The people's verdict?

Mayor Windham acknowledged the divisive nature of the discussion but maintained that ultimately, the will of the people must guide the future of the city on the issue.

"At the end of the day, the voice of the people would be the ones that rang," he stated. "It should be governed by the people and guided by the people. We do their bidding. And so, I just feel very strongly about that."

His words imply that although the Pearl liquor store ordinance was voted down for the time being, the matter might not be resolved finally. Future debate or even voter initiative might restore it to the table.

What's next for Pearl?

The denial guarantees Pearl will retain its current alcohol policies: restaurants can serve liquor in the glass, and beer can be sold in the city every day of the week. For customers who want to purchase liquor for private consumption, however, trips to bordering communities remain the only option.

For local leaders, the challenge will be how to reconcile community values with their desire for economic growth. Pearl has been positioning itself as a hub for retail, restaurants, and family living in Rankin County. Whether retail liquor stores are a part of that vision is to be determined and is likely to become a contentious issue in the coming months.

Meanwhile, the board's move reflects the conservative approach some Pearl officials are taking toward new development. "We want to grow," said Mayor Windham, "but it's got to be growth that benefits our people."