MIDDLESEX TWP — A referendum to end a decades-old ban on liquor licenses passed overwhelmingly in Tuesday's election, ending the prohibition on sales of liquor in township restaurants and businesses.

Residents voted 1,266 to 334 to end the ban. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board will begin working with the township to alter codes and ordinances to reflect the vote.

The referendum movement began earlier this year with resident Mary Lou Tabisz leading the charge.

“We're glad that Middlesex Township can move forward,” Tabisz said Tuesday night. “As we're developing, we are having a little bit of say in the kind of businesses and restaurants we want. And that has been the drive all along: making sure we have nicer restaurants coming into the township.”

With support from other residents, organizations and an area developer, Tabisz organized petition signing events and door-to-door and social media campaigns.

She said the movement received support from Middlesex natives to newer transplants.

“I have gotten to know so many wonderful people. Residents who have been here a long time coming out to support us, (along with) newer residents,” she said. “This is a wonderful township filled with great and wonderful people.”

She said the purpose of the referendum was to allow businesses to compete with those in surrounding communities and also give residents a closer place to go for a night out.

“The reasons they wanted this were very wide and varied,” she said. Now, months later, her project has become a reality.

“I'm feeling wonderful,” Tabisz said. “It's been a long time. It's been a good learning journey for sure.”