EZ Mart wants to sell beer

A permit to sell beer and wine at EZ Mart has been presented to Mayor Jackie Crabtree and to the Alcohol Beverage Control Division.

City Planning Commission members were advised of the request at the regular meeting Tuesday, Dec. 4, as they were contemplating an ordinance amending the zoning code.

“The current code makes no provision for alcohol sales,” city attorney Howard Slinkard said, recommending that since alco- hol sales have been approved in Benton County, the city planners should consider what is best for the city in where alcohol sales will or won’t be allowed. He said criteria including traffic flow, congestion, police protection needs to be considered.

Planners approved an ordinance to send to the City Council providing for sales of alcohol as a conditional use including for “retail alcohol sales, bars, lounges and taverns, and private clus or lodges selling alcoholic beverages.”

The ordinance provides for input from the Police Department and consideration of opposition or support from area property owners or residents of nearby areas.

Slinkard told planners they could require a review for renewal of conditional permits.

The state law that prohibits package alcohol stores from operating with 1,000 feet of a church or school does not apply to sales of wine and beer at convenience stores. In other business, planners: • Heard Stephanie Koutouc announce she will not serve another term