Sheetz seeks liquor license for New Kensington store

Sheetz is planning to remodel its store on New Kensington’s Freeport Street in a project that will qualify it for a restaurant liquor license.

The company wants to transfer a liquor license into the city from New Stanton and use it to sell beer, according to a letter to city officials from the law firm of Flaherty & O’Hara, which is representing the Altoona-based convenience store chain.

A public hearing on the transfer request will be held before the New Kensington City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at City Hall, 301 11th St.

Sheetz sells beer in 162 of its 275 stores in Pennsylvania, spokesman Nick Ruffner said. That’s almost 60% of its locations in the state.

“We are adding beer sales to stores on a consistent basis and that is our plan into the future,” he said.

According to the Flaherty & O’Hara letter, no license was available to buy within New Kensington. Sheetz has entered into an agreement to buy the New Stanton license.

At the hearing, Sheetz will describe its proposed business and residents will be able to voice their opinions on the proposed liquor license transfer.

The letter said the remodel will add a sit-down restaurant area for more than 30 customers.

“At the time of the hearing, we will present complete information on the operations of the Sheetz’s restaurant and answer any question that residents have,” the letter states.

Approving the license transfer “will permit the operation of a restaurant in the city that will be a positive attribute to New Kensington, its residents and the surrounding area,” the letter said.