IRVING (CBSDFW.COM) - A 31-year-old city ordinance about selling alcohol in Irving could soon be changing. The Irving City Council will vote on the issue Thursday, and it already has a lot of people divided. Some argue that more alcohol should be sold in restaurants, while others think that the ordinance — which has been in place since 1981 — is still absolutely fine.

The rules in Irving are among the toughest in Dallas County. The 31-year-old ordinance requires that restaurants sell only 40 percent alcohol. But a proposal to loosen those restrictions will be discussed on Thursday and city council members will ultimately get to vote. A change could allow Irving restaurants to increase their alcohol sales by up to 70 percent.

CBS 11 News has received many emails about this possible change, from both sides of the issue. Those in favor of the change believe that it will bring more dining establishments to Irving and create more business opportunities. But those opposed said that greater alcohol sales could create a spike in drunk drivers on the road, and even raise the crime rate.

The Irving City Council meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday evening.

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