A county judge ruled last week to allow a referendum that would end the prohibition of liquor licenses in Middlesex Township to go before voters in the May 21 primary election.

The ruling is a win for residents and business owners, many of whom have long called for the township to no longer be dry. The lifting of the liquor sale moratorium could provide residents with more options when considering where to dine out and it could draw more business to the township.

The referendum recently ran into a roadblock. The county Bureau of Elections had rejected the proposal because a petition mistakenly listed the date of the May 21 primary as May 31. But county Judge Timothy McCune ruled in favor of the petitioners, stating that the error was typographical.

Judge McCune made a good call. Mary Lou Tabisz, the petition’s organizer, would likely agree.

“Middlesex residents spoke loud and clear that they do want this on the ballot for a decision that the township residents could make,” she said.

Only a simple majority is needed to pass the referendum into law when voters make their decision on it next month.

If it passes, the referendum will do more than just provide shorter drives for residents to restaurants that serve alcohol or expand nightlife options for persons of drinking age.

In an interview with the Butler Eagle in February, Tabisz pointed out that the lifting of the moratorium could draw higher-quality establishments to Middlesex. Additionally, it could make restaurants in the township more competitive with those in nearby communities.

Residents no longer would have to travel to another municipality if they want to have an alcoholic beverage served with their meal and, as a result, Middlesex restaurants could benefit by drawing more business.

The passing of the referendum could also bring more revenue to township coffers. That money could go toward funding local improvements, such as infrastructure upgrades or supporting emergency services.

We understand the concerns of those who are against the referendum. Some have seen the issue as an unwelcome change to a long-established order, while others have said that the referendum is supported by those new to the area, and not as much by longtime residents.

It’s important to keep in mind that adult beverages are to be purveyed responsibly, and consumed responsibly, in accordance with the law. Critics will be watching for opportunities to say “I told you so.” Don’t give them that opportunity.

But we believe that change can often be good. Should voters pass the referendum on May 21, a variety of new possibilities — both in terms of leisure and business — could make their way to Middlesex Township.