Beverages

Sheetz Reapplies for Liquor License

Wants to restart beer sales at "c-restaurant"
ALTOONA, Pa. -- Convenience store chain Sheetz Inc. is trying to get its liquor license back so that it can start selling beer again at a combination convenience store and restaurant in Altoona, Pa., according to a report by The Tribune-Review.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court in effect revoked the store's license last month, said the report, when it decided that the store was improperly restricting its beer sales to takeout only.

"We've reapplied," Mike Cortez, vice president and general counsel for the Altoona-based company told the newspaper. An orange placard [image-nocss] in the store's window indicates that it is applying to the state Liquor Control Board for a retail dispenser license, and that an inspector has visited, he said.

The Sheetz ruling was viewed as a victory for the Malt Beverage Distributors Association, which represents beer distributors who sell by the case or keg.

Sheetz argued unsuccessfully that its license did not mandate on-premise consumption. Now, if it regains its license, the in-store restaurant will have to allow customers to drink there if they wish, Cortez said.

"We think the Supreme Court decision highlights the awkward and backward nature of beer laws and regulations in the state of Pennsylvania," he said. "In order to sell beer, we are required against our wishes to sell for on-premises consumption. We must let someone sit in our restaurant and drink, and get back in their car and drive."

Click here for previous CSP Daily News coverage on the issue.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Foodservice

Opportunities Abound With Limited-Time Offers

For success, complement existing menu offerings, consider product availability and trends, and more, experts say

Snacks & Candy

How Convenience Stores Can Improve Meat Snack, Jerky Sales

Innovation, creative retailers help spark growth in the snack segment

Technology/Services

C-Stores Headed in the Right Direction With Rewards Programs

Convenience operators are working to catch up to the success of loyalty programs in other industries

Trending

More from our partners