BOARDMAN, AUSTINTOWN Bottoms up in the Valley: Voters OK liquor permits

Campaigning to residents has paid off for two businesses.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- Township voters gave their approval to almost all liquor permit requests appearing on Tuesday's ballot.
Some township officials have said the growth of the community's commercial district means more businesses will seek liquor permits. Six businesses came before the voters Tuesday with eight liquor permit requests; seven were approved.
There are now 59 liquor permits in the township's 52 precincts.
The only permit not approved by voters was a permit that would have allowed Foodmart on Market Street to sell beer and wine on Sundays. That permit was defeated by just four votes, but residents in the 21st precinct did vote to allow the store to sell beer, wine and mixed beverages on a daily basis.
Approved
Truck World on Western Reserve Road received 55 percent approval from voters in the 46th precinct for its request to sell beer on the premises and as carryout.
Patrons can now buy beer, mixed beverages and intoxicating liquor from Spinners on Boardman-Canfield Road. Voters approved the sales by more than 60 percent.
The Marc's store on Tiffany Boulevard asked residents in the 51st precinct for permits to sell beer, wine and mixed beverages daily and on Sundays. Voters approved the beer, wine and mixed beverage request by 66 percent, and the Sunday sales by more than 60 percent.
Two township businesses took a slightly different approach to garnering voter favor -- they asked residents in their respective precincts to come out and try the business before making a decision.
The Ice Zone on McClurg Road, via a temporary charitable permit, served beer at hockey games played at the facility last weekend. A company spokesman said the idea was for residents to come out and see how the beer would be served and what it would mean to fans who regularly attend the games.
Ross Sciana, owner of Antone's on Boardman-Canfield Road, also asked voters in the 27th precinct to come out and visit his business before casting a vote. Coupons for a free dinner were inserted in a letter asking residents to vote yes on the issue.
The campaigning paid off for both businesses. The Ice Zone received a permit to sell beer, wine, mixed drinks and liquor from 51 percent of voters in the 46th precinct, and Antone's was granted permission to sell beer, wine and mixed drinks from 63 percent of voters in the 27th precinct.
Austintown Township residents were equally as embracing, approving all six liquor permits before voters. All permits received more than 60 percent approval from voters.
Residents in Green Township voted down seven liquor permits on the ballot that would have opened up the entire 2nd precinct to alcohol sales. All of the permit requests were voted down by more than 60 percent of voters.
jgoodwin@vindy.com