A bill that would allow smaller cities to decide whether they can sell alcohol has passed the state House of Representatives.

The bill, which is sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Martin, now goes to the Senate. If it passes, cities with a population of 500 or more would be allowed to call for a referendum to legalize the sale of alcohol if 25 percent of the voters in the area that voted in the previous election sign a petition. This could affect Jemison, Maplesville and Thorsby.

Currently, only counties and cities larger than 7,000 residents can call for a vote on the issue.