By PAMELA SCOTT JOHNSON

Staff Writer

WILLIAMSON — STOP coalition received a resolution from Williamson City Council Thursday that will affect local businesses.

The resolution adopted unanimously by the city council will require representatives from each local business to attend training March 5 at the Williamson Fire Department from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The council will now look into an ordinance that will penalize businesses that fail to send a representative to the training courses.

Businesses expected to attend the free training are those serving or selling alcohol.

“You would be amazed at how little businesses know about the laws,” said STOP Executive Director Laura Fox. Forty to 50 percent of establishments in Mingo County sell to underage girls and boys.”

Fox told the council STOP conducted an experiment with an 18-year-old with businesses selling alcohol or tobacco to arrive at the 40 to 50 percent.

STOP is offering a bonus to businesses attending the training.

“If an establishment receives a ticket, it will be tossed if a representative attends the training,” said STOP member Kelly Dotson.

In related news, mayor Darrin McCormick commended the city’s police department.

“For whatever reasons, whither they are valid or not, we beat up the police department,” McCormick said. “We are certainly proud of WPD and Lt. Dave Rockel for the recent drug busts. I want to publicly thank you.”

Rockel, who was in attendance, said thus far, there is 100 percent convictions.