The Alcohol Beverage Board approved a beer and wine license for Freedom Express in Etna Green Thursday by a vote of 3 to 1.
A final inspection of the business, located at 109 W. State St., was conducted by excise officers Thursday.
Gregory Cobb, owner of Freedom Express, addressed concerns from the board.
Cobb said it's a convenience store and the only grocery store in town.Cobb previously applied for and received a beer and wine license for a store in North Webster. His North Webster application was turned down by the county alcohol board several times before the decision was overturned by the state commission.
"I still have the same feelings I did last time you came before us," said board member Elim Smith. "I don't think (alcohol and gas stations) mix too good. I just don't think you should be selling both."
Cobb then said the move was to answer places like Wal-Mart and Owen's selling gas.
"And I'm not for those either," said Smith. "I've been consistent on that."
Board President Gordon Vanator asked Cobb how much alcohol accounts for the sales at his North Webster location.
"Is it worth the bother?" asked Vanator. "Is it worth the 5 percent?"
"Yeah, yeah it is," said Cobb. "I look at it as you get it in and it tends to grow."
Cobb noted that he felt sales over the summer at his North Webster location were sluggish.
Jennifer Hefner, an Etna Green resident, spoke in opposition to the application.
"I don't want them selling liquor there," said Hefner. "I feel the quality of the town will go down. When you just want to go in to get a loaf of bread and you have to deal with that. The (Etna Green) Pub is there. They can go to Bourbon."
Vanator asked Hefner if it made any difference that the license Cobb was applying for was just for beer and wine and Hefner said no. Hefner pointed out the location is a popular spot for kids to hang out.
"I do know getting gas there, kids hang out there," said Smith.
Cobb said he was in his stores several times a week and that not selling to minors was a priority.
The board addressed why the state commission continues to overturn decisions the county board makes.
"The reason they override it is because of the money situation," said Smith.
The board also approved several licenses that have no violations.
Eagle Creek Farms in Winona Lake, along with Lance's New Market in North Webster, had their beer and wine licenses renewed.
Liquid Asset, Center Street, Warsaw; Spike's Beach Bar & Grill, Warsaw; Milford Party Pack, North Higbee Street; Wagon Wheel Theatre, Warsaw Bowl and Applebee's, all of Warsaw, all had their beer, wine and liquor licenses renewed.
A request for a new beer and wine license for the Phillips 66, Center Street, Warsaw, was continued to next month's meeting because no one appeared on behalf of the business.
