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MOUNT VERNON — Ever since Knox Pages reported that Rite Aid was closing, readers have continuously asked about the store’s liquor license.
“Now that Rite Aid has closed, who will have the license to sell liquor in Mount Vernon?”
“How soon will we know who got the liquor license from Rite Aid?”
“When will liquor again be available for purchase in Mount Vernon?”
“Where did the state liquor store go when Rite Aid closed?”
Rumors swirling on social media say that Kroger’s is getting the liquor license. Others say it’s Hot Rod’s Sunoco on Coshocton Avenue.
However, the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control, is mum on the subject.
When asked about the Kroger’s and Hot Rod’s rumors, Kristen Castle, director of brand and marketing strategy for the ODC/DLC, said the DLC has not awarded anyone the license.
She declined to state the number of applications received.
When asked about hearsay that applicants must provide a range of information relating to security, square footage, location, etc., Castle provided a copy of the application.
Following are the key information highlights applicants must provide:
Building location, exterior, and external environment
•Identify the nearest retail and/or entertainment districts (provide distance from)
•Submit traffic studies
•Disclose crime or criminal incidences within 500 feet in the last two calendar years (and provide documents)
•Describe the exterior appearance, providing photos of the building, signage, parking area, architects’ renderings of upgrades
•Is there visible signage? Is it visible from the street? (provide photos)
•Describe lighting and provide number of fixtures (provide photos)
•Is there a minimum of 20 off-street parking spaces or dedicated on-street parking? Free or paid parking?
•Is there easy access to the parking area to/from the street? What is the parking area’s surface and condition? (provide photos)
•Handicap accessible entrance and ADA compliant?
•What security system will be utilized?
•How will the store’s delivery access accommodate the delivery vehicle (60-foot-long, 13-foot-high tractor-trailer) and receipt of liquor?
Building interior, retail space, sales, and storage
•Provide square footage for the area dedicated to liquor sales.
•Is the display self-service?
•The interior retail space must meet the minimum requirement of 750 linear feet of shelving for liquor display. Shelving must be 20 to 24 inches in depth and set 14 inches in height from one shelf to the next shelf. Does the location meet these requirements?
•Is the point of sale located adjacent to entrance/exit? Does the sales associate have an unobstructed view of the retail liquor sales area?
•Must provide a minimum of two (2) end caps to allow for seasonal or new product promotional displays. Does the interior retail space meet this requirement?
•Describe in detail the appearance of the interior, flooring, walls, lighting, cleanliness, and sales counter (provide pictures of all).
•List any actions to be taken to improve the physical condition of the interior.
•Describe your plan to comply with Ohio laws and rules, including the prohibition against sales to underage minors.
•Applicant must provide 750 square feet of storage area exclusively for the reserve liquor inventory. Where in the store will spirituous liquor be stored? Is storage area contiguous to retail area?
•Describe in detail the appearance of the interior, flooring, walls, lighting, cleanliness of the storage area (provide pictures of all).
•How is access to the liquor storage area controlled?
•Describe any actions to be taken to improve the physical condition of the storage area.
Other information
The applicant also must provide an extensive business plan detailing hiring and training of staff, business model, market analysis/opportunity, and inventory management in addition to the following:
•Estimated dollar amount of sales a year
•Business experience
•Credit rating
•Lease or purchase agreement
•Criminal convictions
•Previous OLC contracts
•Type of liquor to be sold
•Bank statements, estimated start-up expenses
•Disclose bankruptcy/pending bankruptcy, whether a defendant is in pending lawsuit, outstanding debts more than 45 days overdue
The DLC scores the applications on a point basis. When the DLC selects an applicant, it will notify the municipality involved. The municipality and the public will have a chance to comment on the proposed contract.