Split vote in favor, sends convenience store application to Nebraska Liquor Commission

BEATRICE – A liquor license application has been advanced by the Beatrice City Council on a split vote, after hearing opposition from a church that is next to the proposed new business. 

The council Monday night voted 4-3 to advance the application to the Nebraska Liquor Commission. Beatrice Petroleum LLC would do business as N-P Mart 36, at 6th and Ella….in a former U.S. Bank branch and drive-up. The convenience operation is seeking a Class-D liquor license for sale of beer, wine and liquor.

The store is next to the First Christian Church, whose Interim Pastor is Jeff Collins.

"We feel strongly that allowing the sale of alcohol in close proximity to our church, would be detrimental. Concerns such as loitering, littering and overall appearance will detract from our mission to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our congregation. A church serves as a spiritual refuge...and it shouldn't be overshadowed by an establishment selling products that are counter-productive to healthy families and a wholesome community."

Julie Collins also objected to the license application, noting the presence of several other businesses selling beer or liquor in the city. The pastor and his wife and the church’s board oppose the application. Julie Collins spoke of what she sees as the impact on children.

"They learn, what we normalize. The learn what we tolerate. They learn what we prioritize. When we continue to add alcohol outlets, especially near a church...what are we teaching them? Are we teaching them that profit matters more than protection? That...convenience matters more than, character....that, another business matters more than their future?

City Councilman Terry Doyle was one of four elected officials voting no on the application.

"I just think that there's a better thing that we can put on that corner, than that. It's a nice enough corner, that I don't think we will have to wait very long. I spoke to three different businesses in the past about going there and for whatever reason they decided not to. But, all three of them would have been something different than this. So, I think we will be able to fill that corner with something else."

The matter came to the attention of the church Monday morning when City Councilman Duane Ruh contacted them. An e-mail notice of the plan initially was mistakenly sent to the Centenary United Methodist Church, which is north of the site.

The over 25-hundred square foot former bank building is about 75 feet from the First Christian Church. Voting with the majority, Councilman Dave Eskra feels there’s more to consider.

"This convenience store is selling a lot more stuff than just alcohol. They're there for fuel. They're there for all the other conveniences they could bring to the downtown area where people live.....because they can't currently get them. We're putting all the eggs in the alcohol basket. And I understand where you guys are coming from. But, I also believe that 85-or-95 percent of their sales probably aren't alcohol." 

The application now goes to the state liquor commission for a decision. The commission has the authority to hold a separate hearing under state law, on the church’s objections to the application. State law carries a restriction of 150 feet for any liquor establishment from a church, unless waived by the church.

The $1.5 million investment would become N-P Mart’s 36th store in Nebraska. Most are located in Omaha or Lincoln but there stores in about a half-dozen smaller cities in the state.

Voting to recommend license approval were Mike McLain, Ted Fairbanks, Gary Barnard and Dave Eskra. Voting no were Terry Doyle, Duane Ruh and Dana Hydo. Alex Eckhoff was absent from Monday night’s meeting.