City mulls Mach 1 Food Shop’s request

BY JENNIFER BAILEY

DANVILLE June 11, 2008 10:49 am

— If granted by the city, a liquor license requested by Mach 1 Food Shop at Gilbert and Williams streets would be a first for the sale of liquor on convenience store and gas station property.
Mayor Scott Eisenhauer said Tuesday night he’s received a site plan for review, and Corp. Counsel Pat Wolgamot is to start reviewing the issue today.
A complete review of the site plan has not yet occurred as required for the liquor license, he said.
“It may not meet code,” Eisenhauer said.
He said there are questions concerning what constitutes gas station property, in relation to having gas pumps on the same lot.
The proposed liquor store would be in a separate area from the convenience store and where gas is paid for, in the former Blimpie’s part of the building.
Five years ago, the city council started allowing grocery stores to sell alcohol.
But aldermen decided not to create new liquor license classifications for gas stations and convenience stores.
At that time, Ward 4 Alderwoman Nancy O’Kane said about gas stations selling alcohol, “I don’t know why we have to make it so convenient for everyone.”
Also speaking against the move five years ago were Gene and Carolyn Wands who live at 214 W. Harrison St.
They were concerned about the city taking a step backward from strides made in improving the downtown and Renaissance district areas if alcohol could be sold at three downtown area gas stations.
“We’d like to keep it a family-type atmosphere,” Gene said. “Also, we feel it would hurt the businesses already established.”