Schools will protest liquor license for restaurant

The restaurant's owners say they will serve wine and beer only with dinners.
BY JEANNE STARMACK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CANFIELD -- The school district will protest a liquor license application for AngeNetta's restaurant on Cardinal Drive.
The board voted at its Wednesday meeting to direct schools Superintendent Dante Zambrini to file the protest, said board president Martha Zarlenga.
The Ohio Department of Liquor Control will set a hearing, likely in Mahoning County, Zarlenga said.
AngeNetta's was the first business in the city to get voter approval for a liquor option.
The restaurant had its liquor option on the November ballot, and the issue passed with 68 percent of the vote in Precinct 5 of the city only. The option was site specific for the restaurant.
Near high school
Because the restaurant is close to the high school on Cardinal Drive, the school district has the right under Ohio law to protest the license.
Once AngeNetta's applied, the district was automatically notified of its right to a hearing.
Public entities such as schools, churches and libraries can object if a business within 500 feet of them applies for a liquor license.
The city was also notified, and the council is considering whether to join in the protest.
Tony and Phyllis Olin, owners of the restaurant, have said that they want to compete only with other restaurants in Canfield Township and Boardman that do offer alcohol. They said they are losing customers who prefer to go to a place where they can have a drink with dinner.
The Olins said they intend to serve beer and wine with dinners only, that there will be no bar at the restaurant, and that they do not intend to offer carryout.
Tony Olin said again Thursday that there has been no change in those plans.
"We have no intention of running a carryout business," he said.
School functions
Former school board president Bruce Brocker said he is against the liquor license because the restaurant is a popular gathering spot before extracurricular activities at the high school. He said he does not like the idea of people drinking and then coming onto the high school property.
Zarlenga said the board doesn't believe the liquor license is appropriate with students in the area.
"Most citizens are against it," she said. "The whole city didn't get a vote, and people are upset about that."
Olin said he was sorry to hear that the board initiated the protest. "I think the people voted for what they wanted," he said. "They're [the board] inhibiting growth in the community."
starmack@vindy.com