GASTON COUNTY, N.C. -- Gaston County is tapping into a new revenue source.

• Beer, wine and mixed drinks will be sold in unincorporated Gaston County
• Business owners said the prohibition was costing them business
• The county won't try opening ABC stores under the new law

This week, voters approved measures to allow beer, wine and mixed drinks to be sold in unincorporated Gaston County.

The owner of the D&R Country Corner in Alexis, Douglas Deese, says the prohibition was costing the business up to 30 percent in sales.

“People come in, they walk in, ask me if I have beer sales and I say, ‘No sir,"” Deese said. “They turn around, walk out, go to the next store.”

Gaston County commissioner Chad Brown estimates the vote could mean another $500-600,000 of revenue going through existing businesses. Officials say the county won't try opening ABC stores under the new law.