The Hawkins County Election Office is checking signatures required to get a referendum for liquor by the drink on the November 6th ballot. Hawkins County Commissioner John Metz started the countywide signature drive and believes there will be 931 registered voters needed. 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. All signatures should be verified by Monday. Three Hawkins County municipalities have already been approved for separate referendums including Mount Carmel, Church Hill and Rogersville. (bg)