Ellis County Precinct 1 group launches petition to support local business

ELLIS COUNTY – A group, led by a local veteran, are hoping to gather nearly 5,000 citizens of Ellis County.

Justice Precinct 1, which covers the eastern side of the county, is calling for an election to level the playing field for businesses in area as has been approved in other parts of the county.

The group supports making one set of rules to regulate alcohol off-premise alcohol sales in Ellis County in order to simplify regulations, increase economic growth and jobs and to create this area as a tourist destination as we have seen in other parts of Texas. 

Another reason for the election is to support a couple who intends to open a liquor import wholesale business but current law does not allow the legal sale of spirits in the unincorporated parts of the county, only in certain cities. 

Blake and Graziella Palmer’s company wants to bring some unique rum and tequila varieties that can only be sold to restaurants, bars and package liquor stores, anywhere in Texas. 

Some products will be the first of their kind in the U.S. to be offered. 

Blake, who served in the Marine Corps from 2008-2016, used his company call sign as his inspiration for the name of the company, Thoroughbred Provisions, LLC. 

The decision on where to start his business was also inspired, you could say, by his parents, when they named him Blake Ellis Palmer. 

“We could have built his warehouse anywhere in Texas, but given my name, it only seemed appropriate that we build in Palmer, Ellis County Texas,” joked owner Blake ‘Ellis’ Palmer. 

The only problem, state law says the import wholesale business must be located in an area that allows legal alcohol sales. 

Thus the need for the election.

The area already has several communities allowing package alcohol sales.

Alma, Bardwell and Garrett all are currently legal for off-premise liquor sales. 

But because the business is not located in the city limits, state law required the election to be held in the Justice Precinct, and nearly 5,000 JP1 voters must sign the petition calling for the election.

When it comes to legalized alcohol sales, State law allows up to ten different versions of ‘wet’. 

Ellis county JP1 is “damp.”

“Our business will be able to supply these unique liquors to stores anywhere in Texas,” noted Graziella Palmer.

“Changing the law will allow us to offer tastings and as we’ve seen in the distillery and Ellis Co JP1 wine industry, these locations become destination venues.

“This brings in tourists who will eat in area restaurants and stay in local hotels.

“We will be creating local jobs  and a place for people to visit. 

“The petition will allow a vote for the legal sale of all alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption only.” 

This will not allow bars or nightclubs, only beer-wine sales in grocery and convenience stores and would allow package stores similar to Spec’s or Goody-Goody. 

State law required the group to gather approximately 4,600 signatures of Ellis County JP1 voters in 60 days. Only those who live in the jurisdiction of Ellis County JP1 were eligible to sign the petition. If enough signatures are confirmed, Ellis County Commissioners Court would order the election for November 2023.