The pastor at an Altoona church says the Sheetz Corporation is only using the “restaurant” language to convince the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to award the company a liquor license for the new location.
The comments of Faith Baptist Church Pastor Gary Dull came this morning – a day after a news conference called by Steve Sheetz, the company’s chairman, to explain the new store and how beer would be sold.
“There are a lot of questions still in my mind after that conference yesterday,” said Dull. “I’m glad that he (Sheetz) cleared a lot of things up, but there are still way to many unknowns.’
Dull said he understands that if the license is granted, that beer would be sold from the store, and that the brewed beverages couldn’t be consumed at the site; but said it raises questions because most all other restaurants with liquor permits allow for the consumption on the property.
“I think what they’re really doing is using this ‘restaurant’ wording as a channel to get a liquor license,” said Dull. “I’d hate to see it get to a point where beer is served right there. Will that be next?”
Dull also said he fears that if a permit such as this is granted to Sheetz, it could open the door for other similar establishments to sell beer, such as Snappy’s or Uni-Mart. Dull said he also. fears that motorists will have an easier opportunity to get access to beer while using commonwealth roadways
“We’re still moving forward with our petition and letter writing campaign,” said Dull.
Two weeks ago, Dull passed petitions to his congregation and asked for supporters to write letters to the LCB to express their concerns.
He said in a little more than a week, he’s received about 500 petitions and said once the campaign is over, would pass these signed petitions on to the Sheetz Corp.
He said last week’s discovery of a misplaced placard at the building site announcing for public comment on the matter was a “gift from God” allowing concerned residents an extra month to send letters to the LBC. That deadline is March 11.
“I think we’re doing pretty good,” said Dull. “There are an awful lot of residents out there who don’t want to see beer sold in their neighborhood Sheetz.”
Despite his concerns, Dull said he still enjoys going to Sheetz stores when he’s out and about.
“I really respect Mr. Sheetz, and in fact, I normally look for a Sheetz when I’m out and I want a sandwich or cup of coffee. I just don’t think making beer more accessible to younger people is the right way for this company to go.”
