With its recent state agency approval, Kroger is now one step closer to stocking high-proof liquor on its shelves.
The Ohio Division of Liquor Control recently approved an application for a contract liquor agency transfer from Lucky Dog Carry-Out & Liquor Agency, 309 W. Union St., to Kroger, 919 E. State St., said Matt Mullins, spokesman for the state agency.
Although the agency approved the application, the final transfer is now dependent on Athens legislators, who have 30 days to respond to the application's approval, Mullins said.
The contract transfer would allow Kroger to sell spirituous, intoxicating liquor containing more than 21 percent alcohol by volume, he said, adding that each entity could keep their liquor licenses, but the contract would change whether it could sell intoxicating liquor.
Athens City Councilman Jim Sands, D-at Large, announced the application's approval at Tuesday's Council meeting, but no members spoke on the matter at that time.
Both Lucky Dog and Kroger want the transfer to occur, so there likely will not be any city objections, Council President Bill Bias said.
The only objections (city officials) make are if liquor establishments have not been able to control their patrons
Bias said.
City officials have until Feb. 7 to respond to Liquor Control, Mullins said.
If officials do object to the transfer, a hearing will be held with city officials, Liquor Control officials, and spokespeople for Lucky Dog and Kroger present, he added.
The Liquor Control superintendent would make the final decision if a hearing must be held, Mullins said, adding that the decision could be appealed to the Liquor Control Commission.
If there are no objections to the transfer, a date after Feb. 7 will be set to transfer inventory from one business to the other, with Liquor Control officials present, he said.
Lucky Dog is currently one of two approved liquor-sale agencies in Athens County; Nelsonville's The Pit-Stop Drive-Thru is the other county liquor-sale agency.
Mark Meredith, owner of Lucky Dog, could not be reached for comment.
@ThePostCity 1
News
Alex Stuckey
