LH Today broke the news back in February.

Progress Dallas and proponents for a local alcohol option are working to bring change to Dallas.

The group is lobbying to get two referendums on the ballot in November.

Beginning today, they have 60 days to gather 68,846 required signatures to begin the process of bringing alcohol to Lake Highlands.

Of course, in reality, we know it's already here.

Safe to say it would change the local landscape, however.

For the complete lowdown and all the legal history, you can read our original coverage of the issue here.

The quick and dirty breaks down like this:

Two petitions are available for registered voters to sign.

The first involves the sale of beer and wine sales in grocery and convenience stores.

The second covers mixed-drinks served in state recognized restaurants, not including stand-alone bars or nightclubs.

So for us, Lake Highlands, it basically comes down to saving yourself a short drive. It also means a less confusing landscape.

Local shoppers can currently buy beer and wine at the Super Target and Tom Thumb grocery stores at Skillman and Abrams, but not at the Kroger or Albertson's just a couple of miles down the road.

Also important is how the current law affects local and small business owners.

It's the second referendum that aims to put an end to the "private club" rules that currently govern our local restaurants.

According to Progress Dallas the law, as it stands today, makes it cost prohibitive for locally-owned restaurants to open and flourish in Dallas neighborhoods.

As we struggle to gain (and keep) small business in Lake Highlands, this certainly bears some thought.

Councilman Jerry Allen of District 10, who represents Lake Highlands, thinks the initiative is a good idea.

“I do feel like the grocery stores and restaurants are at a disadvantage with the way things are set-up now," says Allen.

"With respect to the Lake Highlands community, allowing our local businesses to compete on an even playing field is important.”

Get your thinking caps on, folks. If you're a registered voter in the county of Dallas, you have a choice to make.

As for me... well, I Shop Lake Highlands. So I'm looking forward to a vote that lets me and my neighbors decide where we'd like to buy our beer and wine.

And I won't miss that Unicard much, either.

Look for the signature-takers at all Kroger, Albertson's, Whole Foods, Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores, in addition to QuickTrip locations throughout the metroplex.

They'll certainly be looking for you!

For more information on the initiative, you can also visit http://www.progressdallas.com.