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Borough Votes 'No' for Liquor License

"A lot of these trail town people are looking for a place to get a sandwich and a beer," Williamsburg Borough Council President Don Zimmerman said to Borough members and public during the Martin General public hearing prior to the Jan. 3 Borough meeting.

Martin General Store wanted to transfer an eating place liquor license from Tyrone to Williamsburg. Attorney for Martin General Dave Pertile first presented case to the council members saying that they would have two separate areas in the store – one for beer and food service items, and one for fuel, bulk items like bread and milk. With the eating place license, customers would only be allowed to purchase a single beer or a 6-pack whether to-go or to consume one on premises. Pertile went into great detail about hours, management with Martin General and those allowed to sell alcohol. Pertile reiterated to Council that this would be the seventh Martin General store with alcohol sales. Martin General President Tom Martin, who also at the meeting, recognized the competition – "This is not going to be a huge thing, we are doing it because our competitors are," citing both Sheetz and Rutters as competitors.

Tracy Colbert, who owns Williamsburg Beverage, became emotional when talking to the council about the impact she believes that this would have on her business. Colbert stressed that she is very "community-oriented" and holds true to the values of the community. She also expressed concern with Cove Forge and the runaway problem, and if that would have an affect on alcohol sales. Chief of Police Rowdy Kagarise also reiterated the concerns brought up by Colbert and concerns about domestic situations that sometimes stem from alcohol.

Borough Manager Joe Lansberry praised Martin General for taking care of the community, especially "after we lost the grocery store."

Lansberry also said that Martin General stores send out pizzas and drinks when fire department and police go on calls for fires or accidents, and that they are the first to donate coffee and sandwiches for borough employees when plowing. Martin reiterated, "We are a family-owned store, and we are just trying to keep up with the big guys."

There was a role-call vote to vote for the approval of liquor license transfer. Don Zimmerman and Jim Foreso were the only two "yes" votes, with Paula Hamilton, Bruce Hamilton, and Denny Hammel voting "no." Councilmember Ed Patterson abstained from vote as he is employed at Williamsburg Beverage.

Following public hearing, regular meeting began. Officers are as follows: President Don Zimmerman, Vice President Jim Foreso, and President Pro Tem Ed Patterson. Evey Black Law Offices were reappointed as the solicitor for the borough and Young, Oakes and Brown & Co. were appointed as auditors.

Ed Patterson made a motion to purchase new tires for the borough's new truck for $182 with Bruce Hamilton seconding. Borough Manager Joe Lansberry was also instructed to get estimates for paining the meeting room.

There is a vacant seat left on Borough Council and those interested are asked to send a letter of interest to the Borough before the February meeting.

 

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