Nearly 30 Dollar General stores ask state for ability to sell alcohol

Nearly 30 Dollar General stores in Marion County are asking the state for the opportunity to stock their shelves with wine and beer. They have already requested the permits which concerns some neighborhood associations.

"Possibly adding liquor or beer to the store, it'll add more variety, and it'll become more of a 'one stop shop,'" said Joe Stephenson, general manager of a Dollar General Store on the near west side of Indianapolis.

He also said they would profit greatly from the addition of alcohol.

"While Dollar General has applied for 26 permits in Marion County, each of those permits will be considered on its own," said Corporal Travis Thickstun, a spokesperson with Indiana State Excise Police.

Several neighborhood associations are thankful for the alcohol permit process because next month they will be able to weigh in on the permit requests in their respective communities.

"Our goal is to make sure our economic development is first and having an influx of alcohol in our area does not help with that," said Patrice Duckett, a coordinator with the Near West Collaborative.

She said her opinion and others will be voiced at the public hearings held by the Marion County Alcoholic Beverage Board. They are scheduled for Feb. 6 and Feb. 21 at the City County Building.

Duckett said they are ready to fight a tough battle that has been fought before. In recent years, Walgreens applied for a large amount of permits as well.

"I think alcohol sales and crime go together," said Duckett.

Once the local alcohol board makes a recommendation, each permit will need final approval from state officials. The process is expected to take a few months.

"Dollar General is doing well. It continues to do well because we know what the customer wants," said Stephenson. "You just have to make sure you card people and make sure that you're following the rules."

These particular permits were created for grocery stores and similar businesses. They allow a business to sell wine and beer, but not liquor. Also, the beer cannot be cold.