WEST POTTSGROVE >> Beer and wine will soon be sold at the Upland Square Giant supermarket after township officials granted approval Wednesday.
Residents were mixed on the decision, as one called it was a waste of time and made the store no longer “family friendly.” Another said it was wonderful and would allow for convenient, one-stop shopping.
In a 4-0 decision, the West Pottsgrove Township Board of Commissioners approved the store’s request following a presentation. Commissioner Peter LaRosa was absent.
Giant paid $491,300 to purchase a restaurant liquor license transfer at an auction, that had previously been held in Narberth borough. State law allows the licenses to be transferred anywhere within the same county.
At Wednesday’s meeting, Giant attorney Stanley J. Wolowski and John F. MacDonald, representing the store, outlined how the move is part of a larger remodeling effort by the store to transform a section of it into a sit-down and take-out restaurant for cold and hot prepared foods, including sushi, chicken, a buffet and hot soup.
Customers will be able to purchase 192 ounces of beer, or two six packs, and up to four bottles of wine to go between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 9 a.m.-10 p.m. on Sunday. Distilled spirits will not be sold. Shoppers will also be able to purchase up to two beers to drink with a meal inside the restaurant’s dining area.
“(About) 98 percent is take out business,” MacDonald said.
Harrisburg made changes to the liquor code last summer to reflect changes in the market place. Those changes were intended to make shopping for alcohol more convenient for customers and increase competition, Wolowski said. Over 300 grocery stores in Pennsylvania already have a liquor license.
“It’s not novel or unique,” he said.
In fact, the supermarket chain now has 32 stores selling beer and wine, including locations in Exeter, Exton, Havertown, Royersford, Springfield and St. Davids in the region, Samantha Krepps, manager of public and community relations for Giant Food Stores/Martin’s Food Markets based in Carlisle, told Digital First Media previously.
In an effort to prevent underage sales, the chain holds a 100 percent ID policy. That means no matter someone’s age, they must present some form of identification that will be scanned into the store’s computer system for verification. Store associates will also be trained to detect a fake ID, recognize intoxication and the other ins and outs of responsible alcohol sales. The restaurant/ beer garden portion of the store will be clearly sectioned off and under heavy surveillance, MacDonald said.
“We can track you pretty well through the store,” he said.
Giant has never been cited for any violations, Wolowski said.
Before the vote residents on both sides of the issue weighed in. Resident Gladys Frame said she represented other residents opposed to the move. She knew of families destroyed by alcoholism and said Giant would no longer be a “family friendly” store if the move were approved.
“Giant is a very nice store,” she said. “A restaurant would be fine.”
Resident Melissa March disagreed, saying adding alcohol sales would save her from having to drive into Pottstown or out to the Wegmans in Upper Providence for beer and wine purchases. She said it would be nice to spend her money in West Pottsgrove.
“I already shop at Giant,” she said. “I would want to be able to buy my beer and wine from Giant. It’s a one stop shop.”
