BETHEL -- A subsidiary of the Bethel Native Corp. wants to open a local liquor store, using a portion of a new supermarket that just closed.
Bethel radio station KYUK reports that corporation subsidiary, Bethel Spirits LLC, is in the process of applying for a license to put a liquor store in the facility that was vacated last week by the Swanson's grocery store.
The application is expected to be submitted in April to the Alaska Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
Local legal sales of alcohol have the support of Bethel Mayor Rick Robb, who says sales can help raise revenue for the city.
Opponents include Lower Kuskokwim School District Board chair Susan Murphy.
Murphy says she fears parents would spend money on alcohol instead of food and clothing for their children.