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| Att'y Ellen Freeman and Giant's Colin Heap |
Philadelphia Attorney Ellen Freeman, representing Giant, acknowledged that selling alcoholic beverages at a grocery store is a "relatively new concept in Pa." But Giant has moved swiftly once state law was relaxed to permit more competition from private industry. Sixty-four of of its 400 locations already have liquor licenses. She explained that transfers are approved unless doing so would adversely affect the welfare, health, peace and morals of the community.
Hours of operation will be 7 am to 10 pm Monday thru Saturday, and 9 am to 10 pm Sunday. The alcohol sales will take place in a beer garden where customers can drink as much as two bottles of beer on site so long as they also order food. Take-out sales will be permitted, up to a maximum of two six packs and four bottles of wine.
"It fulfills a great need for our customers," said Colin Heap, a Special Projects Manager with Giant. He indicated that store employees will have state RAMP (responsible alcohol management program) certifications and that everyone will be carded. He credits this "everyone" policy as the reason for zero citations at any location. The Linden Street location should be ready for alcohol in November, and the Easton Avenue location be up and running in a few months.
Friendly applicant Mukumb Shelat, represented by Ted Zeller III, said his store will stop sales at 9 pm, one hour earlier than Giant. His store will also include a separate area for alcohol sales.
Resident Don Wright said the applications were "no big deal" and the Commissioners evidently agreed.
In other business, Commissioners are exploring portable potties as an alternative to controversial restrooms at the "North Forty" athletic fields. Though Commissioners have been able to reduce the anticipated cost of a brick-and-mortar facility to $174,000, John Gallagher noted that a portable facility could be used at different events. Unlike the typical job Johnnie, this is a bathroom that can be hooked to sewer. Physical Plant Director Steve Hunsberger was directed to get quotes for a portable pottie that includes four toilets and an ADA accessible bathroom.
Finally, Recreation Board member Barry Roth asked Commissioners to publicize their next meeting on April 9, 6 pm, to discuss a new master plan for the parks system.
6 comments:
No,no,no! This is a terrible idea. The Giant on Easton Ave. is already getting more and more seedy. Many older folks and families don't go anymore because it has become more of a dingy hangout store. Now you will have alcohol being served and sold. The parking lot will become a magnet of drunks and ner do wells. Wait till you see the muggings and assaults jump.
Of course Bethlehem Twp' is known for following the money. They neither zone nor plan as evidenced by the haphazard condition of the Twp. They are just fine with this. When the robberies and assaults start, will the township and Giant do anything?
The Easton Ave. Giant is a shithole.
The linden st store has some very seedy staff members and I personally saw a staffer be let out of the store in handcuffs, I shit you not. The hotel across the street will see an increase in assaults, mark my words.
I have a stricter view than most about booze. I detest seeing it for sale at a corner store and those would oppose the sale at Friendly's. But it really is no big deal at the grocer.
Look at Downtown Easton (Buddy can you spare $.94).
Horrible Idea, especially at the Easton Ave. bodega.
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