Convenience Stores in Bethlehem Town Limits could be Selling Beer, Wine within a Month

The three convenience stores located within the Bethlehem town limits have all obtained applications to sell packaged beer and wine since a new alcohol ordinance was approved last week.

The , BP and in Bethlehem could be selling beer and wine within the next 30 days.

Town Clerk Kathy Bridges said the process should take about a month once the applications are returned.

“It shouldn’t take long once they get the application back to me,” Bridges said.

Bethlehem Mayor Sandy McNab broke a tie between four town council members — Tommy Parten and Larry Jones voted in favor, while Tommy Buchanan and Wayne Ridgeway were opposed — to approve the ordinance, which gives businesses within the city the opportunity to apply for a license to sell packaged beer and wine, while restaurants can seek a pouring license.

Bridges said there are no restaurants within the town limits.

The ordinance allows packaged sales of beer and wine or by-the-drink sales — a business can’t sell both in the same location.

McNab said the ordinance could lead to potential annexations.