Alaska Alcoholic Beverage Control Board postpones Fairbanks liquor store decision
Published Friday, July 11, 2008
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Stumble It!FAIRBANKS — The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board will postpone its decision to approve or deny a liquor license for Patrick Kohls’ proposed Mighty Dollar liquor and grocery store planned for South Cushman Street.
Kohls’ liquor store and grocery was already denied a liquor license by the city of Fairbanks this past March when four council members — John Eberhart, Tonya Brown, Chad Roberts and Bernard Gatewood — declined a motion to waive the city’s protest of a liquor license for Kohls.
Fairbanks Mayor Terry Strle defended the council’s decision to the ABC Board on Thursday morning.
“The community spoke clearly that they don’t want another liquor store in that part of town,” Strle said.
Police Chief Dan Hoffman and more than a dozen residents of South Fairbanks expressed their concerns at the March 24 City Council meeting saying they opposed the new store due to the existing heavy traffic of alcohol-related activity up and down South Cushman Street and the possible impact on the housing market in the neighborhood.
Both Kohls and Larry Hackenmiller spoke in favor of another liquor store and grocery in South Fairbanks at the ABC Board meeting and said another liquor store wouldn’t change the current chronic inebriate situation in town.
Kohls said he got support from the local community for the addition of a grocery store in the area, but alcohol sales would be needed to support the business.
“It’s important that we understand this decision to the fullest, as vested community members’ opinions should govern this, and we want to make a valid decision,” said Shirley Gifford, ABC Board member.
Community Discussion
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“'It’s important that we understand this decision to the fullest, as vested community members’ opinions should govern this, and we want to make a valid decision,' said Shirley Gifford, ABC Board member."
To put this matter in the community's hands is a dereliction of duty; The only ones with vested interest are those that own the property in question. Mr. Kohl has committed no crime and cannot be held responsible for any alleged problems already occurring in the area.
Perhaps the ABC should instead investigate those outlets already selling spirits rather than foster misconception and attach blame where none rests.
Validity is also a moot point. Any decision of the ABC is valid; this doesn't make a decision correct or unquestionable, only enforceable.
adding another liquor store won't change a thing. let them have it.
Alcohol is a drug....alcohol kills....should we blame the ABC?
Kohls’ liquor store and grocery was already denied a liquor license by the city of Fairbanks this past March --
Its about time that the City of Faribanks understands that they do not "issue" a liquor license. The "good old boys" in Fairbanks has controled the license business for a long time. Its about time the ABC Board does its job and issues license on their own.
South Fairbanks was screwed out of a grocery store by the states meddling with private enterprise, look how that worked out. One more liquor store will not change anything..
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