Lyco Weis store seeks liquor license

WILLIAMSPORT - If all goes as Weis Markets Inc. hopes, another supermarket chain will be added to the growing list of alcoholic beverage retailers.

Weis Markets, at 1916 Lycoming Creek Road in Old Lycoming Township, is seeking beer and beverage distribution rights similar to those approved for Wegmans at its downtown Williamsport store earlier this year.

In order to accomplish that, the store must apply for a restaurant liquor license, according to township supervisors.

The matter was not discussed during a meeting of township supervisors Tuesday night, but they issued a public hearing notice and received information about the plan.

A public hearing on the matter has been scheduled for 7 p.m. July 22 at the township building, 1951 Green Ave.

The purpose of the hearing is to listen to a request from Weis Markets Inc. for an inter-municipal liquor license transfer for its store on Lycoming Creek Road and to take public comment and provide answers to residents, township supervisors and its solicitor, according to a letter by Robert J. O'Hara III, a Pittsburgh attorney who represents the company and wrote it on behalf of Weis Markets Inc.

According to the document, Weis plans to sell beer from its restaurant for consumption on premises and "to go."

Although the store intends to transfer a full restaurant liquor license to its store, it will sell only malt and/or brewed beverages.

In order to open and operate a restaurant in its supermarket in the township, Weis must secure a restaurant liquor license, O'Hara said.

The store has entered into an agreement to purchase a restaurant liquor license from outside of the township and plans to move the license into the township store, with township supervisors' approval. The move would be pursuant to the inter-municipal transfer provisions of the state Liquor Code, he added.

The restaurant will sell quality food items and be "well lit" and "family friendly," according to O'Hara. It is expected to seat more than 30 people.

The store is going to reimburse the township for its out-of-pocket costs as a result of the municipal application and hearing, O'Hara said.