LOWELL — Minneapolis-based Target Corp. has three applications for beer and wine permits pending before Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control.
The retailer hopes to sell beer and small-farm wine from its locations in Fayetteville, Fort Smith and Little Rock, according to paperwork on file at the state agency in Little Rock.
The applications are expected to be considered by the agency's director, Michael Langley, in November. If the permits are denied, Target could then request a hearing before the five-member Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
In Washington County, Sen. Sue Madison, D-Fayetteville, has opposed issuing beer permits to any outlet outside of liquor stores. She said the proliferation of retail beer sales will make it easier for minors to buy beer. Fayetteville Police Chief Greg Tabor has said the same thing.
Langley didn't say if ongoing opposition would influence his decision, at least in regard to the Fayetteville store.
"I don't know yet," he said. "I'll have to wait and see what's there at the time of the decision."
Target spokesman Michaela Gleason confirmed that Target has applied for the permits.
"We're expanding in areas where it's legal to do so," she said.
The Target stores in Bryant, Conway, Jonesboro and Rogers cannot sell beer and wine because they are located in dry counties. Target did not apply for a permit for its North Little Rock store.
Target sells beer, wine and spirits at more than 1,000 locations, said Gleason.
The Target applications come on the heels of three beer and wine applications submitted by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. The Bentonville-based retailer wants to sell beer and small-farm wine at three locations in Fayetteville. Wal-Mart already sells beer and wine at stores across the state and the country.
The Wal-Mart applications are expected to go before Langley in mid-October.
Langley said it's likely that Target applied for beer and wine permits to keep pace with Wal-Mart. Tough economic times might also have influenced Target's decision.
"In a down economy, you're looking for as many profit centers that you can find," Langley said.
Target and Wal-Mart arethe latest applicants in the rush for beer-selling permits in Washington County. Convenience stores across the county have recently applied to the alcohol board for permission to sell beer. Several have already been granted.
Two beer applications forE-Z Mart locations in Springdale were turned down earlier this month due to opposition. State Rep. Jon Woods, R-Springdale, opposed both of them, while Mayor Doug Sprouse and Police Chief Kathy O'Kelley opposed one of the applications.
Northwest Arkansas, Pages 13, 18 on 09/30/2009