Liquor Store Proposed At Former Northport Hardee's On Highway 43

NORTHPORT, AL. — The public will have the opportunity to weigh in Monday night on a proposed liquor store in the former Hardee's location at the intersection of Highway 43 and Mitt Lary Road.

Northport City Council President and District 5 Councilman Jeff Hogg said the Council would hold a public hearing on a liquor license request from Bravo Investments, LLC for Cheers Wine and Spirits to operate at the former fast food restaurant, which shares the building with a recently-renovated Chevron.

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Hogg said the business was not pursued by the Council's retail committee, but came to the city on its own, meeting all application and zoning requirements.

"I understand that some people do not want this type of business due to their spiritual beliefs, moral beliefs, congestion of traffic, and/or that it would be close to schools," Hogg said in a Facebook post publicizing Monday night's hearing. "On the flip side, others could argue that the City has separation of church/state, that this business would fill a vacated building and potentially clean up an eyesore, or that this business would help produce tax dollars back to the city to allow us to do more paving etc."

He then spoke to the proposed liquor store's proximity to schools in the area, saying some would argue that other businesses close by sell alcohol. Hogg also mentioned traffic congestion and said the argument could be made that the traffic volume will still be less than when Hardee's was open.

"Being a Councilman of 5,000 people in your district is not easy," he said. "You are pulled in so many directions based on what your constituents want. You want to make the best decisions based on that but also for what is right by legal standards."

The Northport City Council will meet Monday, Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Northport City Hall.

Click here for a copy of the agenda.

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