One victory — straight up — was served to supporters of liquor by the drink when voters in Waynesville passed the town’s mixed drink referendum Tuesday night.

The final tally was 56 percent for and 44 percent against. With the decision, Waynesville is among the last towns in WNC to join the ranks of those that allow liquor drinks.

Waynesville Mayor Gavin Brown, who was elected in November, requested the board consider a vote on the liquor referendum. Former mayor Henry Foy refused to put the issue on the ballot during his 16-year tenure. Brown, a lawyer active in economic development in the county, is a supporter of liquor by the drink and says it would provide economic benefits to the town. The results of the vote could signal a shift in demographics — more now appear in line with Brown in contrast to the old school that supported Foy.

Exit polls earlier in the day showed many voters supported the referendum.

“I’ve lived in the community a long time and find the split about sales of mixed drinks interesting. There is beer and wine, and it’s not a big deal. It’s good for the economy and business. I’m not worried about large chains coming in — the town has the opportunity to control that,” said Rachel Richardson, a Haywood County Democrat and Waynesville resident.

Chain restaurants were a topic on the minds of many who voted in favor of mixed beverages.

“The issue has little to do with alcohol — it’s about business,” said Waynesville Democrat Don Thompson. “It’s a fact — you’re not going to get an Applebee’s unless you have liquor by the drink.”

“Liquor will open the door for more businesses and restaurants,” agreed Republican voter Karen Colozoff. She said big restaurants will generate more corporate taxes for the county, and that the pluses of having them far outweigh the minuses.

Not everyone was pleased that the liquor by the drink referendum passed. At the Haywood County Board of Elections, the dejected members of Addictive Substances Kill, an anti-liquor group, gathered outside and vowed the fight wasn’t over.

“The issue does not stop here. What’s at stake is the wholesomeness of the community,” said Roger Knight, the spokesperson for ASK.

The group spent over $5,000 on signs, phone surveys, and an exhibit featuring a vehicle wrecked in a drunk driving accident.

Though members of ASK hadn’t yet decided a specific strategy they would take after the failure of their efforts, they promised some action would continue on their part.

“We are encouraged by the support we’ve received. It’s the beginning, not the end,” said ASK member Roy Fowler.

But for now, many restaurants are rejoicing at the prospect of adding liquor to the menu.

Greg Sessoms, a bartender at Pasquale’s, said some have already planned improvements for a potentially increased customer base.

“Several have been planning renovations and fairly substantial capital improvements in their business contingent on what’s happened tonight,” he said.

Sessoms said that “on the whole, (liquor by the drink is) going to be a boon for the township.”