Crossover Corner Shop Appeals For Permit To Sell Beer
Posted: November 18, 2009 at 4:19 a.m.
FAYETTEVILLE — Crossover Corner owner Manish Patel believes he could benefit both his community and his business by selling beer.
Though his initial request for an off-premises beer permit was refused by Alcohol Beverage Control Board Director Michael Langley, Patel will appeal the decision before the ABC Board on Thursday.
“My store is located in the middle of a neighborhood, surrounded by small businesses,” he said. “I’ve been told by many customers that it would be really convenient if we started carrying beer. I think it would help our business and at the same time, serve as a one-stop shop experience for the local community and surrounding neighbors.”
Last month, Langley rejected the Crossover Corner request based on opposition from Police Chief Greg Tabor and state Sen. Sue Madison, D-Fayetteville.
Patel’s request is part of an agenda that includes similar requests from the two Fayetteville Walmart stores and the Walmart Neighborhood Market at Crossover Road and Mission Boulevard. Those requests, also opposed by Tabor and Madison, have generated the most attention and will be heard Thursday as well.
In a letter addressed to Langley, Tabor objected to Patel’s request, stating he feared it would further the trend of convenience store beer sales within the community and further burden his police force. He stated long lines at the counter and lack of employee staffing could lead to sales to minors. Tabor further stated he felt the needs of public convenience for beer sales in the area are already being met by 265 Liquor, which is about a mile down the road.
“Every community experiences some amount of crime, but Fayetteville seems to be a very nice community,” Patel said. “There’s a liquor store down the road and I haven’t seen anything out of the ordinary in their parking lot.”
Patel said while he’s looking for a financial benefit, “I won’t forget my moral and ethical obligations to our community and, overall, being a decent human being.”
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