By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
A village ordinance that has kept Waterford’s gas stations dry of alcoholic beverages could soon be lifted after the prompting of a local owner.
The Village Board on July 14 entertained a first reading of an ordinance that reverses a long-running ban on beer sales at gas stations. Plans call for officials to have a second reading and likely vote on amendments at their next meeting on Monday, July 28.
If enacted, the ordinance in its draft form would pertain only to so-called Class “B” licenses for the sale of fermented malt beverages. Village Attorney Marcy Hasenstab explained the designation applies primarily to the sale of beer and wine coolers.
In other words, if the village decides only to approve Class “B” licenses, gas stations still would be prohibited from selling such intoxicating beverages as wine and liquor.
Citing enforcement concerns, Village of Waterford officials had decided years ago to ban the sale of all intoxicating beverages at gas stations. Selling alcoholic beverages to minors reportedly had been an issue in the past.
But the owners of Wagner Oil recently requested the village revisit the issue and take up a request to sell beer at their Fairview Station facility at 991 W. Main St.
This is not the first time Wagner Oil’s owners have petitioned the village to allow beer sales. A prior attempt several years ago was denied. This time around, village officials have sought input from law enforcement – including members of the Racine County Sheriff’s Department.
Lt. Dan Klatt said the department has a neutral stance on beer sales at gas stations. He said Racine County deputies would issue citations for offenders, just as they do at any other establishment.
Klatt said he did not believe the sale of beer at gas stations would be a detriment to police resources.
The village cannot make an ordinance change solely for the benefit of the Fairview Station operation.
Hasenstab said operators of the village’s six other service stations also would be privy to applying for Class “B” licenses to sell beer within their establishments.
During the July 14 discussion, Hasenstab implored the board to take a more global view of the issue, particularly if beer is permitted but wine and liquor sales remain prohibited.
“You need to ask yourself what the reasoning is behind the ordinance,” Hasenstab commented. “We have to look at the whole reason. If we’re challenged, we should be able to explain why we have this ordinance.”
Village President Tom Roanhouse briefly expressed bewilderment at Hasenstab’s assertion during the meeting’s debate about permitting beer vs. liquor/wine sales. Roanhouse said he did not see a problem with allowing one, but not the other.
“But there should always be a justification for the reasoning,” Hasenstab said, in response.
If Class “A” licenses – the designation for wine and liquor – remain prohibited, Hasenstab said, “There should be an explicit reason in place.” Possibilities include making declarative statements concerning drinking and driving.
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