REEDS SPRING, Mo. -- Possible changes to the town's liquor laws have some residents concerned about the safety of their small town. The mayor says the proposal is part of an effort to boost the economy but some citizens worry it would only bring problems.

In the center of this small town sits the spring from which this town draws its name. It's a town, some say, as peaceful as a sleeping child. And it's the children about whom some are worried.

"There are kids that come down here and skate, ride their bicycles. They sit down here at the spring. There are kids down here," said Amanda Ledford.

She and other Reeds Spring citizens worry a new proposal could bring more drinking to their town. The current law requires a distance of 140 feet between an establishment that serves alcohol and any church or school. The proposal would shorten that distance to the state's minimum requirement of 100 feet. It would also change the limit on liquor by the drink licenses in the city limits from two to five.

Citizens are circulating a petition against the proposal.

"As an economic development effort, we're trying to make over downtown Reeds Spring as a destination for dining," said Mayor Paul Lear.

When Missouri 13 bypassed the small town, the tax revenue went down, Lear says, and so did the number of businesses. He says the proposal is an effort to bring business back.

Several of the buildings in downtown Reeds Spring are for sale. Residents agree they need more businesses but they're just worried they'll end up with the wrong kind.

"We want our kids to stay in this area, and if all we have to offer is a tavern or a bar, what reason do they have to stay?" asked Ledford.

"I can understand the citizens' issues but none of these places that are asking for licenses intend to be simply taverns," said Lear.

The next city council meeting will be March 18 at 6 p.m. The mayor encourages citizens to attend, and several said they plan to be there. Citizens also were concerned because they didn't hear about this proposal until this week, but the mayor says the council has been talking about it at its public meetings since about July. The mayor says the aldermen could vote on and pass the proposal April 1.

The petition just started circulating Friday, and several citizens are passing copies around. Ledford, who started it, says she's had some strong response.