Robbins voters head to the polls today to decide whether to allow the sale of beer, wine, and mixed drinks.

As the only dry municipality in Moore County, Robbins will face increasing economic pressure from Asheboro, across the Randolph County line, which recently approved alcohol sales.

Opponents say they are for a "safe" Robbins and contend that allowing alcohol sales in town will lead to dangerous driving and other problems. Scientific studies say otherwise, according to a committee called FOR -- Future of Robbins -- that called for the ABC referendum.

FOR says that greater safety would be the actual result of changing the ABC laws in Robbins. Not passing the change would make Robbins less safe, not more, according to Brian Allen, one business owner who is supporting FOR.

"The 'Keep Robbins Safe' group is unsafe," Allen says of the committee opposing the referendum. "In my opinion, if Robbins continues down the same path that we are currently going as a 'dry' town -- and we lose a grocery store or additional businesses and no new business comes -- in the long run the town will have to downsize its police force. How can the town be safer than if we get new business, keep our grocery stores, and increase our police force?"

Cindy Ritter is one local business operator who opposes the change. She has a sign in The Brick House Fitness Center and Tanning Salon urging a "no" vote. She says her views are typical of opponents.

"It is just a gut feeling," Ritter says. "I don't have any particular reason. I just don't think it will help the town of Robbins. I know it is going to bring in more revenue from taxes, but is that really going to help? Robbins is such a small town."

"I think they ought to ban it (alcohol) nationwide," she says. "I would like to take those ads off TV. ... It is just my opinion. I live out of town, so I can't even vote."

The town's progress as a result of NC STEP efforts and its hope to become a destination will suffer greatly from a no vote, town leaders say.

"A lot of people are watching us right now, and a lot of governmental entities," Mayor Theron Bell said. "I think it is the decision of the people of Robbins, whether they want to move forward."

Former mayor Mickey Brown doesn't see it that way. Prayer, he says, would do more to help.

"I would not risk Robbins' future on alcohol sales," Brown says. "I feel that God would have us all to come together and pray for our beloved hometown."

Several studies cited by proponents appear to show that dry towns or counties actually have more accidents than "wet" ones. One study of all counties in Arkansas reported dry counties have higher alcohol-related fatalities than wet counties throughout the state. Wet and dry areas (like Carthage and Robbins) are often adjacent, so alcohol beverage sales outlets are often just across county or state lines.

"Findings indicate that the dry county distinction does not result in significantly lower rates of DUI (driving under the influence) arrests when law-enforcement variables are considered," the Arkansas study says.

At Heavenly Treasures, a low-cost store operated by a coalition of local churches, spokesmen said they thought easier availability would mean drunks on the streets. It is a common fear, evidenced by a slogan of the Keep Robbins Safe Committee -- "SAFE: Sober Atmosphere For Everyone."

Proponents point to another study of some 39,000 alcohol-related traffic accidents in Kentucky, which reported finding residents of dry counties more likely to be involved in such crashes, maybe because they have to drive farther from home to consume alcohol, thereby increasing impaired driving exposure.

Other health and safety factors need to be considered as well, some Robbins residents say. One among them is former Mayor Brown.

"Robbins has been my home all my life," he says. "I cannot support bringing alcohol for sale in our hometown. My own personal experiences and families I have dealt with over the years have (shown me the troubles) that alcohol can cause."

One proponent of the alcohol proposal, longtime town physician Dr. Lee Bell, says drinking a moderate amount is good for you. One ounce a day, he says -- "doesn't matter what kind of alcohol" -- produces healthful effects.

"I tell them about the statistics, the alcohol studies," Bell says. "They can make up their own minds."

Studies of the kind Bell is talking about suggest that two drinks a day cut the risk of stroke in half, that moderate drinkers have a lower incidence of dementia like Alzheimers and 40 percent less coronary heart disease compared to nondrinkers.

The Keep Robbins Safe Committee cites a 12-year-old study showing 480,000 children are "mistreated each year by a caretaker with alcohol problem" and points to a claimed $21 cost to the state for treating alcohol-related problems for every dollar in tax revenue from sales. The revenue does not factor in other tax revenue from new businesses supported by the change.

Economic factors are particularly important for depressed Robbins, according to supporters of the change. Former Biscoe Town Manager Josh Ray -- who voluntarily coached Robbins as the town sought to make a transition to manager/council charter -- says he hopes Robbins will approve the change.

"The on-premise sale of alcohol is by no means the end-all solution to economic plight, nor will it instantaneously bring a great deal of business and industry to the town of Robbins," Ray says. "However, as an economic development tool, it will open up the town of Robbins to a number of opportunities that it does not currently have access to, just as Subway and Domino's Pizza have already done."

Allowing the sale of alcohol could help attract more businesses to town, FOR says, while a "no" vote would deter investment.

"The people of Robbins need to send a strong message that they are in support of local businesses and the town," Allen said. "If we don't take our own future in our hands, do you think somebody from outside is going to come in here and do it for us?"

Contact John Chappell at 783-5841 or by e-mail at jchappell@thepilot.com.