City Council Refuses to Oppose Walgreens' Liquor License Application

The campaign to deny Walgreens a liquor license was dealt a serious setback when the City Council refused to protestthe drug chain's application. 

Councilwoman Barbara Denny had asked that the city send a protest letter to the Alcoholic Beverage Control department (ABC), just as it had regarding Starbucks' application last year.

Her motion didn’t garner a second so it didn’t come to a vote.

“It’s not our policy to automatically oppose liquor licenses,” said Councilman Al Ovrom. “I don’t want to get involved in what goods people put on their shelves.”

Denny argued that not only was there significant public opposition – 60 people had written the ABC – but Walgreens is within 500 feet of a church and school in a neighborhood that already features liquor stores. 

Other council members said they had not heard as many complaints from residents as they had when Starbucks posted a notice of their intent to serve beer and wine.

No one spoke out at the meeting. Moreover, City Manager Blair King told the council that ABC contacted Christ Episcopal Church directly and they refused to submit a comment.

The agency accepts public comment during a review period while establishments seek such licenses.