Board vote allows market to sell alcohol

The Central Valley School Board may have set a precedent Monday when it reversed a decision to prevent the sale of alcohol at Rich’s Gas and Deli, officially known as Hai’s Mini Market, at University Road and 16th Avenue.

In June, store owner Paul Singh applied for a liquor license to sell beer and wine in containers for off-premise consumption from his store, which is across from University Elementary.

In July the district notified the Washington State Liquor Control Board that it opposed granting the license. This decision was based on the district’s long-standing policy that opposes alcohol sales within 500 feet of a school. State law allows schools, churches and public institutions within this distance to object to an application.

The board’s policy says school sites should be “conducive to educational activities and free of industrial or commercial activities, which may create health/and or safety hazards for student or staff.”

In September, Singh asked the board to reconsider its decision, saying it created a financial hardship for his business.

At an Oct. 23 meeting, the school board heard from Singh’s attorney and neighbors who spoke on his behalf. They postponed their decision so they could gather additional information.

The vote on Monday was 3 to 2 in favor of rescinding their earlier decision partly because of additional information presented by Dave Jackman, the district’s director of auxiliary services.

Between 1984 and 1996, a 7-Eleven, now closed but next to where Singh’s store is located, was allowed to sell liquor.

Jackman reported that Spokane Public Schools has had similar requests and their policy allows businesses within 500 feet of a school to sell packaged alcohol, but not alcohol sold by the glass or bottle for immediate consumption.

Board member Tom Dingus voted to allow the liquor license, saying that he thinks the 500-foot rule was a bit arbitrary. He also said he believes in free enterprise and that the owner should be able to compete with similar area businesses.

Board members Anne Long and Debra Long also voted to allow the license, with Cindy McMullen and Lynn Trantow voting no.

Addressing the safety issue, Debra Long said the area around the school is regularly patrolled, and there are laws against drinking and driving.