Filer residents will decide in the election today if the city's establishments should be allowed to sell liquor by the drink.

Currently, the city only allows establishments with liquor licenses to sell patrons drinks of wine and beer. The proposal, if approved by a simple majority of voters, would allow the sale of other alcoholic beverages such as vodka, bourbon or mixed drinks.

The proposal is on the ballot following a petition submitted by Deborah Corbett, co-owner of the Moon Bar in Filer.

The petition has 185 signatures, and meets the requirements under Idaho code, said Shari Hart, Filer city clerk.

Under state law, a petition to sell liquor by the drink qualifies for placement on the ballot if it's by signed by 20 percent of registered voters who participated in the last election. In Filer's case, the petition needed at least 183 signatures, Hart said.

"I finally got it perfected and got it on the ballot," Corbett said.

She said the change would generate more revenue for the city and make it safer because residents would be less inclined to drive to Twin Falls or Buhl for drinks. By avoiding longer trips, she said, it helps avoid the possibility of an accident or citation for driving under the influence.

If approved, the measure would apply to all establishments that serve liquor in Filer, not just the Moon Bar.

Ben Botkin may be reached at bbotkin@magicvalley.com or 208-735-3238.