LOUISVILLE, Ky. — At least 13 Family Dollar locations in Louisville received push back Thursday after reapplying for liquor licenses.
This is the third time in five years the locations submitted applications to sell malt liquor. However, Louisville officials and residents aren’t buying it.
"We want positive economic development in these neighborhoods. We will never get it as long as we have a liquor store on every corner,” Donna Purvis, District 5 Councilwoman, said.
That’s why Purvis said she’s spoke against Family Dollar. Now, she needs the public's help as the deadline to send concerns to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is quickly approaching.
"Those letters have to be in and post marked. The deadline is Friday. We can't have these things in our area," Tammy Hawkins, District 1 Councilwoman, said.
Each of the 13 participating stores are located in west and south Louisville. This includes one in a dry precinct on West Market Street, and a location in the Russell neighborhood across the street from a liquor store and blocks away from resident Jackie Floyd's home.
"This is the second time in six months they have filed the application and we continue to fight them," Floyd said. "We want a healthy, thriving community, and more places to sell alcohol is not a good look or it's not good for our for our community."
In a statement to WHAS 11, a Family Dollar spokesperson said:
"Family Dollar does not sell liquor, but some of our stores do offer name-brand beer and wine, similar to the brands found at grocery retailers, and often at better prices. We are committed to operating responsibly through comprehensive training programs and exams for our associates specific to alcohol sales. As responsible community partners, Family Dollar is committed to a culture of zero tolerance for alcohol sales violations. Of course, we will abide by any decision made by the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control."
However, CEO of OneWest Evon Smith said the franchise needs to listen to community members.
"One things we heard from the community is that we don't want any more liquor stores," she said.
Instead, Smith said residents want grocery stores, restaurants, and medical services.
The locations applying for NQ4 Malt Beverage Licenses include:
- 3275 Taylor Blvd.
- 3277 Taylor Blvd.
- 6312 Greenwood Rd.
- 3201 Kristin Way
- 3036 Wilson Ave.
- 3901 W. Market St.
- 1419 W. Jefferson St.
- 3022 Portland Ave.
- 5312 S. 3rd St.
- 790 Eastern Parkway
- 701 Valley College Dr.
- 5109 Dixie Hwy.
- 4335 Bardstown Rd.
Purvis said residents who want to share their concerns should send her an email at Donna.Purvis@louisvilleky.gov by Friday. Residents can also send written letters to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, as long as letters are postmarked before Friday.
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