Tyler 'goes 'wet' wrap-up, economic impact

You've heard the news:

The City of Tyler and part of Smith County are 'going wet.'

Proposition One, which would allow mixed beverages to be sold in certified restaurants, passed with 73 percent of the vote.

Prop. Two, which would allow for the legal sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption, passed with 66 percent.

The results were overwhelming to who worked so hard to bring this boost to parts of Smith County.

"Wow," said Bob Westbrook, chairman of political action committee 'Buy Local First.' "It's a new day for Tyler and Smith County."

After the mechanics are put into place and applications are approved, Westbrook said stores could possibly have product available to buy by the Christmas holiday, but Wednesday, officials said it will probably take longer.

The impact has the potential to be big, as in $5 million in new sales tax, $100 million in new business activity, and up to 1,600 new jobs.

Smith County Sheriff J.B. Smith says he voted for Props 1 and 2 because it made economic sense.

"I think it'll benefit the street department, I think it'll benefit a lot of people and plus, the demographic has changed in Tyler, Texas," Smith said. "It's not what it was 35 years ago."