Legislation would kill objection

Withdrawal of an objection eliminates need for a hearing.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A councilman is sponsoring legislation to withdraw city council's objection to renewal of an Atlantic Street store's liquor permit.
The city filed an objection in July 2001 to the 2001-2002 renewal of the liquor permit for Christy's Market.
Legislation withdrawing that objection was given the first of three readings at a council meeting last month. It is on next week's meeting agenda.
"They're agreeing to participate in the Cops in Shops program," said Alford L. Novak, D-2nd, the legislation's sponsor.
The program puts officers in convenience stores to deter underage alcohol sales.
He said the store also has tried to terminate the lease for the pay telephone in its parking lot. There used to be three phones, but only one remains.
Neighborhood residents have complained that the phones were used in the drug trade.
The store has been operating since the city filed the objection.
Other matters
The store also agreed to participate in the city's Safe Streets Now program, prominently display its business hours and comply with the city's income-tax laws and ordinances. The store's efforts toward telephone removal also were part of the agreement.
"There's nothing new in the agreement," said Ed Farhan, who has operated Christy's for eight years.
He contends the store has been complying with city laws.
"We're just trying to deal positively with everyone who's involved," Farhan said.
Several hearings on the license renewal and the city's objection were set and continued. Matt Mullins, a spokesman for the Ohio Department of Liquor Control, said if the city withdraws its objection to a renewal, there would be no need for a hearing.
Novak said part of complying with income-tax laws involves store employees' paying back taxes if any are owed or participating in the city's tax amnesty program if taxes weren't paid.