https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/buffalo-township-bp-station-hopes-to-expand-sell-beer-wine-after-approval-of-liquor-license-transfer/
Buffalo Township BP station hopes to expand, sell beer, wine after approval of liquor license transfer
A Buffalo Township gas station/convenience store moved a step closer toward expansion with the approval of a liquor license transfer by township supervisors.
Par-Mor Oil Co. plans to expand the BP station it operates at 698 Ekastown Road, but company officials have said the project depends upon the township supervisors’ approval of a liquor license transfer.
They presented their case to the supervisors at a public hearing Wednesday.
Michael Hudock and Bob Monahan, attorneys representing Par-Mor, said that transfer would help clear the way to proceed with the company’s plan to enlarge the existing store and enable it to sell wine and beer.
Hudock said the liquor license Par-Mor wants to buy and transfer into the township is for a restaurant and is held by Zacherl’s Tavern in Saxonburg.
The expansion to 3,800 square feet would provide space for 30 patrons to sit and eat, which is needed to comply with the license’s requirements for a restaurant; space for displaying and storing wines; and a walk-in cooler for beer.
“The rest is your typical convenience store,” Monahan told the supervisors.
He said the store will serve food items — another license requirement — but primarily “grab-and-go” food such as hot dogs. It would not have the same kind of extensive food menu that Sheetz convenience stores offer, he said.
Overall, Monahan estimates the project will cost $1.5 million to $2 million, including the cost of the license. That also includes the lease of an additional parcel from the same person who owns the property the current BP station sits on and demolition of a house on that parcel.
“This is just step one — ‘Can we do it?’” Monahan told the supervisors. “If we get the license transferred, we’ll build it. If we can’t get the license, then we won’t build it.”
Referring to the hearing process, Hudock said: “This is just for the license. We can’t even apply to the Liquor Control Board without getting (the supervisors’) approval.”
There were no comments from a small group of residents at the hearing, and the supervisors had no questions before Chairman Ron Zampogna adjourned the hearing.
The liquor license issue was on the agenda of the regular supervisors meeting that followed. Once again, there were no comments from citizens and the supervisors unanimously approved the license transfer.
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