Woo!!! Today is a wonderful day! I just read that Giant Eagle has again applied to add more locations that sell beer around the area. Nothing makes me happier than seeing beer in a grocery store. When we go on vacation it’s one of the things I actually look forward to in the southern states because they sell beer everywhere including gas stations.
Most people complain that selling alcohol is not needed in various places, as it creates the “image” of an alcoholic area. Who cares? Mostly everyone drinks beer(this is Pittsburgh after all) and usually has to drive out of the way to get to a beer distributor if you live far away from it. Providing a grocery store with the ability to sell this extra perk in life will surely raise their profit and likability throughout the area. I see nothing but good things coming from this. Good luck to Giant Eagle as this could be the door way to making selling beer in gas stations as well. That way we can be caught up to our surrounding states and get with the 21st century!
Article below from TribLive.com detailing the information about the application process Giant Eagle is undergoing to sell beer in their stores:
Six more Giant Eagle supermarkets were approved today for state liquor licenses that will allow them to sell beer.
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board granted restaurant liquor license transfers to stores in Homestead, Monroeville, Pine, West Mifflin, West View and in Harborcreek, Erie County.
Earlier this month, the O’Hara-based grocery chain’s new Market District store in the Settlers Ridge retail complex in Robinson became the first Pittsburgh area grocery store to sell beer.
A store in South Strabane, Washington County, also has been approved for a license.
Stores with the licenses can sell beer or other drinks for consumption in restaurant areas on the premises, or sell up to two six packs of beer for carry-out.
The LCB must do inspections at the stores before they can begin beer sales, spokesman Nick Hays said.
November 19th, 2009 at 1:16 PM
The only reason I don’t like this is that, at least in the New Castle area, most beer distribution companies are family owned. For many of there owners they wouldn’t be able to compete with a giant like Giant Eagle. It might make beer easer to get at but at what cost?
November 19th, 2009 at 2:57 PM
Lastpaw,
I certainly didn’t think of it that way. But from where I am from and around me, there are really no beer distributors except the one 5 miles away. A Giant Eagle, is less than a mile away. It would be pure convenience for myself.
However, people that think like you do would certainly keep their loyalty with the individually owned dist. I’m sure of.
November 24th, 2009 at 4:00 PM
I’m hoping that Sheetz gets the same love that Giant Eagle has received!
Not to sound cold, but if beer distributors want to stay in business, they need to adapt and keep up with the times. It’s what all successful businesses have had to do since forever.
I know PA laws are restrictive… but while these new laws are being created, it may be easier to open up beer distributors to sell other groceries or what-not.
December 7th, 2009 at 3:58 AM
The quality of the info is what keeps me on this site, thanks!
Wish You a Merry Christmas.