Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, January 5, 1995                   TAG: 9501050069
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS
DATELINE: NEW CASTLE                                 LENGTH: Short

LIQUOR-BY-THE-DRINK TO BE ON BALLOT

Only two of the district's four restaurants now serve beer, and nowhere in the county is hard liquor legally available.

Several people in New Castle said they understood that the main supporter of the movement is Jim Greenway, owner of Briz's Restaurant on Virginia 311 just outside the town limits. Greenway, who does not live in New Castle, could not be reached for comment.

It could not be determined immediately the extent of support for the question. But there was indication of opposition.

Several ministers of churches in the town said they oppose the movement and have urged people in their congregations to vote against it.

The ministerial association in New Castle plans to meet today to discuss the question.

The Rev. David Breedon, pastor of New Castle United Methodist Church, said that because all churches in the association are opposed to the liquor referendum, the meeting is not to take a stand, but rather to decide on a method of opposition.

Breedon called alcoholic beverages a "blight on the county."

Peggy Elmore, clerk of Craig County Circuit Court, said that no official notice of the referendum has yet been made. According to state law, it must be made at least three weeks before the referendum.