A judge has ordered a measure allowing alcohol sales in Sharp County off of the November ballot.

Circuit Judge Phil Smith issued an order Thursday saying that signatures gathered by supporters of the measure were invalid. Two suits challenged the wording of the measure, as well as the legitimacy of some of the signatures submitted in favor of it.

The ballot measure is backed by a group called Save Energy Reap Taxes. Supporters say allowing sales of alcohol would benefit the environment and boost local coffers.

In northern Sharp County the closest place to buy alcohol is Thayer, Missouri, about 20 miles from each of the major population centers in the county - Ash Flat, Highland, Cherokee Village and Hardy. Residents in Cave City, in the southern portion of the county, can travel to Jackson County to buy alcohol.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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