Don’t expect to walk into Duncan Grocery to pick up a bottle anytime soon.
Penticton city council rejected the convenience store’s application to sell liquor in a 3-1 decision Tuesday night.
The long-standing store, located at 1500 Duncan Ave., currently operates as a convenience store and small restaurant. The restaurant section of the store already has a license for on-site liquor consumption.
The plan was to convert the restaurant section to a convenience store and change the convenience store to a liquor store. The owner of the store, Gordy Jahal presented council with a petition signed by over 70 people in support of the conversion.
Two residents voiced their concerns about the application to council. The main concerns were with the store’s proximity to Columbia Elementary School. The store and school border each other.
Coun. Katie Robinson shared concerns about the proposed liquor store’s location, saying it would be, “asking for trouble.”
One resident spoke in favour of the application, citing ease of access as the primary reason.
Councillors also voiced their concerns about being unsure if the store would maintain its convenience offerings.
A motion to close the application was proposed by council and will be voted on at a later date. If the application is closed, the store owners will be forced to wait at least six months before they can re-apply.
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