BETHEL – The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board has set a meeting for Nov. 19 in Anchorage to discuss a proposed liquor store in Bethel that if approved, would mean the first legal sales in the Western Alaska hub in more than 40 years.
The five-member board is not taking public comment at the meeting but intends to hear from the city of Bethel and Bethel Native Corp., which is proposing to open the Bethel Spirits package store. The city of Bethel attempted to block the store by protesting the application for a liquor license but the ABC Board rejected that protest in July.
The city of Bethel has asked the board to reconsider, which is the focus of the meeting, according to the public notice. It is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at the Anchorage Legislative Information Office, 716 W. Fourth Ave.
The board earlier canceled a meeting, set for Thursday in Bethel, at which it was to hear public testimony. The board intends to explain more at the upcoming Anchorage meeting, said Cynthia Franklin, ABC Board director. The matter is in litigation, she said, so she cannot say much.
It's not yet known whether an ABC Board meeting with opportunity for public comment will still take place in Bethel. That depends on the outcome of the Nov. 19 meeting, Franklin said.
Earlier this month, a majority of residents in an advisory vote indicated they are in favor of a liquor store. Two new council members also are in favor, meaning a majority of the council now leans in support of a store.