THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 15, 1996 TAG: 9603150428
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TOM HOLDEN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
The final arguments on a proposed Brew-Thru for the Oceanfront were heard Thursday, setting the stage for a decision this spring on whether the controversial drive-through convenience store can sell beer and wine.
The last major witnesses presented their views before administrative hearing officer Tom Baynham, whose report will be the basis upon which the three-member ABC board will make its decision.
Baynham said the report could take up to two weeks to prepare. Once done, it will be printed, mailed to both parties, and then delivered to the full board. Regardless of the board's decision, administrative rules allow for an appeal and, given the emotions surrounding the store issue, an appeal is expected.
Three local businessmen have asked the ABC board for a license to sell wine and beer at a Brew-Thru, a drive-through convenience store modeled on a popular store of the same name on the Outer Banks.
The store has raised the ire of local civic leaders, the Virginia Beach Police Department, leading political figures, and some hoteliers and neighbors. They worry that the store's concept sends the message that it's OK to mix alcohol and driving.
In addition, civic leaders say the store would further congest Pacific Avenue, which in the summer is often crowded and noisy. They also worry that with 145 ABC licenses in place within a mile radius of the proposed Brew-Thru the Oceanfront may be reaching - or has already reached - a saturation point for alcohol sales.
Proponents argue that Brew-Thru wouldn't sell just beer. The store also would sell pizza by the slice, coffees, sodas, convenience foods and Brew-Thru T-shirts, which are popular at the Outer Banks store. Company officials said that T-shirt sales will probably be twice that of beer sales.
Company officials believe the law is on their side and have begun construction on the store at 29th Street and Pacific Avenue.
KEYWORDS: BREW-THRU by CNB