Beer License Discussion

Sixteen members met with board member Arthur Alexander in the community room of the Co-op on the evening of January 24^th to discuss the Co-op’s pursuit of a license to sell beer.  The Co-op is seeking an LCB Eating Place License (E-license) which would allow us to sell up to 192 ounces (two six-packs) per sale for takeout.  A December member survey had 168 responses with 90% in favor of our seeking a license.  Because there are a limited number of E-licenses issued by the LCB, the Co-op has asked the Township Commissioners to help us get an Economic Development License. The commissioners have expressed their support and will schedule a meeting in February for public comment. 

Members at the meeting on January 24 were overwhelmingly in favor of the Co-op adding beer to its product mix. All agreed that it would give the Co-op a unique product not available in competing stores and add to gross revenue.  Preliminary financial information indicates that beer sales would be profitable.  It is expected beer sales would also drive increased food sales, but that it was difficult to predict by how much. 

Discussion included interest in the Craft Beer movement and how it fits into the Co-op product philosophy. Craft brewers are defined as “small (less than 6 million barrels/yr), independent (less than 25% non-craft-brewer-owned) and traditional (50% or greater malt ingredients unlike mega-brewers that use rice and corn).” Craft beer was likened to artisan bread and hand-crafted specialty cheese.  There were questions whether or not sales would be limited to only local brewers and only craft beer.  As with other  products, the type of beer the Co-op sells would depend on member demand, but the emphasis would be on products from local craft brewers. 

If you are interested in attending the Township meeting in support of the Co-op Economic Development E-license or otherwise want to be kept in the loop as things progress, please sign up here.