Township says yes to Weis

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Weis Markets has permission to sell beer in Old Lycoming Township at a 30-seat restaurant it is going to build.

"We think that is neat," township manager Linda Mazzullo said after a hearing earlier this week when township supervisors approved a liquor-license transfer to the store at 1916 Lycoming Creek Road.

Although they haven't said when, store officials told supervisors of intentions to sell beer "to go" in six packs or by the glass at its in-store restaurant.

Supervisors were not alerted to when the restaurant would be added.

However, retrofitting the store for the restaurant is the next step, said store spokesman Dennis Curtin.

The store is undergoing a $200,000 renovation that includes relocating the pharmacy area and creating an entrance to the restaurant, Mazzullo said.

Beer sales will be done exclusively at one register, not through the regular check-out lanes, Curtin said.

Township officials are enthused about the business adding to the local economy.

"We believe it will contribute to the mercantile tax revenue stream," Mazzullo said.

The tax, derived from township businesses' gross sales, already has generated more than $90,000 this year, she added. The move will provide jobs for those working at the restaurant.

Supervisor Janet C. Hall expressed concern about adding another place to buy beer in the township and the potential increase it would have on intoxicated driving.

Sales of beer in the restaurant venue rather than a bar did not bother township police. Police Chief William Solomon said anyone wanting beer is driving elsewhere to get it.

The store joins Wegmans as providers of six packs to go. Weis's restaurant will serve beer and brewed and malt beverages but not hard liquor, Mazzullo said.

Weis Markets has two locations - Tannersville and one in Lehigh Valley - where beer sales are "working out" and customers are saying the sales are very convenient, Curtin said.