Today’s deadline for Hawkins County residents to get a referendum for liquor by the drink is coming down to the wire. More signatures are needed before the choice can be placed on the November 6th ballot. Supporters of the referendum want approval to encourage chain restaurants to move to Hawkins County. They believe the move would increase property and sales tax revenue and decrease the tax burden on residential property owners. It’s been pointed out that if approved public sewer access would have to be made available in the unincorporated parts of the county. The Hawkins County Election Office is checking signatures that have already been turned in. Hawkins County Commissioner John Metz started the countywide signature drive says that more signatures will be forth coming today. It may take several days for election office workers to check all of the 931 registered voters needed. Three Hawkins County municipalities have already been approved for separate referendums including Mount Carmel, Church Hill and Rogersville. (bg)