Voters lift longstanding ban on alcohol sales in Ephraim, in Door County; dry since 1853

EPHRAIM — Voters have lifted a longstanding ban on alcohol sales in a small northeastern Wisconsin village.

WLUK-TV reports that voters in Ephraim on Tuesday, April 5th approved referenda allowing the sale of beer and wine.

The village of about 300 people has been dry since Norwegian Moravians founded it in 1853. Residents unsuccessfully tried to change the ban in 1934 and 1992.

Supporters of the change said allowing alcohol sales would improve tourist trade at the village along the water in peninsular Door County, about 70 miles northeast of Green Bay. Opponents said introducing alcohol sales would tarnish the quaint feel of the area and spurn village history.

Ephraim