Andrea Marcanti / Arizona Silver Belt Youth Advisory Council members, Anitra Montolla and Bethanie Hudson, go over their petition against Walmart receiving a class 9 liquor license. The girls along with other YAC members collected over 83 names to present to Globe City Council on Monday night.

GLOBE — After a short debate and various motions on the table, Walmart’s request to become a one-stop liquor store was denied by the Globe City Council on Monday night. At Globe council’s July 12 meeting a public hearing was held for the consideration of allowing Walmart a class 9 liquor license, this issue was brought back for action on Monday night.

City Manager Kane Graves opened the discussion by stating that Walmart lawyer Clare Abel had made a request for an extension on the matter, saying she needed more time to look over the new evidence and measurements that had been taken. Councilman Lerry Alderman addressed the council saying, “This is pretty clear cut for me as far as the location.” Alderman referred to state liquor laws that specifically state that a business cannot sell alcohol within 300 feet from a fenced playground sitting adjacent to a school.

After further investigation by city employees, the measurements were clear and Walmart sits only 240 feet from the playground. Alderman asked that the council deny Walmart this license and stated that the series 10 license approved in April is in “doubtful validity”. He asked that City Clerk Gina Paul bring this issue to the liquor board. “The applicant failed to tell the council this, I make a motion for dismissal,” said Alderman. Councilman Terry Wheeler seconded.

With a motion for dismissal on the table, Councilwoman Carmen Casillas commented that she was trying to be open minded about the request and asked that the motion be tabled until more information could be presented. Before voting, Vice Mayor Thea Wilshire, who was filling in for an absent Mayor Fernando Shipley, asked for comments from the public.

For the complete article see the 07-21-2010 issue.

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