Wawa Liquor License Request Rejected In Hatboro

HATBORO, PA —Wawa is moving along with the construction of its super convenience store at the corner of Horsham and York roads.

And while Wawa will have gas pumps, it won't be serving alcohol —at least for now.

At a public hearing Monday night before 25 people in which Wawa pitched plans to sell beer and wine at the store, the Borough Council rejected the proposal in a 5-2 vote with Council Vice President Dave Stockton and Councilwoman Amanda Jacobus supporting the measure.

Work is progressing on the new 5,585-square-foot Wawa convenience store, a store that has caused controversy for years after the borough lost a court battle to try and prevent it.

Wawa had sought to transfer a liquor license from a Norristown business to the new 412 S. York Rd. location, which is expected to open sometime in late fall.

Ellen Freeman, an alcohol beverage lawyer representing Wawa, told the council that Wawa operated 24 stores throughout Pennsylvania —and 100 across the country —in which alcohol is sold, and a seating area was provided for people to consume at least one alcoholic drink inside the store.

A Wawa on Horsham Road in nearby Horsham Township serves alcohol.

"We're not coming in blind," she said. "This is really just a convenience that we will add. Wawa has never been cited, has had no sales to minors or intoxicated people, and has policies in place. Our people know the rules. Wawa understands the sensitive nature of this. They are very proud of their reputation and very eager to protect it."

Freeman went on to explain that there would be seating for 30 people who would be allowed to consume one beverage of beer or wine inside the store. They could also purchase a variety of beer: single cans, six packs or 12-packs along with bottles of wine.

She said that every person who made a purchase would be carded no matter their age and that security cameras would be focused around the refrigerators where the beer and wine are stored.

Despite the policies and security, some residents worried about whether minors might be served or whether any intoxicated people would be a disruption in an area where borough homes are nearby.

"I don't have to visit years gone by and the testimony of the past," resident Richard Seeds said. "Wawa said we are a convenience store that sells gas. Now it's a convenience store with in-person alcohol consumption."

Seeds said that "policies are policies, not human behavior" and that the council should maybe wait for Wawa to open to see if the "store is a good neighbor" before granting a liquor license transfer.

Resident David Colon wondered why Wawa needed to sell alcohol, especially at a store known where he said there have been "horrific" accidents on Horsham Road.

Resident Kelly A'Harrah said that Hatboro is working hard to build businesses in town and that Wawa would draw away from that.

"People are going to go to Wawa and have a beer and leave town," she said. "We've got local bars here. Wawa has already introduced competition for our gas. We don't need to develop a bar. This is not something we signed up for. This isn't right for Hatboro."

Council President George Bollendorf wondered why Wawa was seeking the liquor license after never mentioning it in initial plans presented to the borough.

Freeman said that the liquor license requests were halted during the pandemic and have just resumed recently.

Bollendorf along with council members Alex Myers, Nicole Shay, Nicole Reichner, and Nicole McMenamin voted against the measure.

While the liquor license transfer wasn't approved, borough officials said Wawa could go to court to pursue it.