Three liquor stores receive permits

WESTSIDE - Three liquor store permit applicants in the Eagle Observer coverage area were approved last week to open stores in Gentry and Decatur and could open for business as soon as next month.

The following three applicants received approval: Timothy E. Witcher, T-N-T Liquor, 1190-A Hwy 59 South, Decatur;Charles O. Reeves, Gentry Spirits, 129 Fowler Street, Suite D, Gentry; and Charles L. Jech, C & J Liquors, 129 Fowler, Suite A, Gentry.

The final day of liquor permit hearings for Benton County wrapped up Thursday with a total of 39 approvals and 15 denials over the three-day period. One hearing was continued for 60 days while agents with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division gather more information.

None of the applicants from Gentry or Decatur were denied.

The hearings were to determine the 55 liquor stores allotted under state law in the county after it was voted wet last November. Sixty nine applicants completed the process to be considered for a permit, and a June lottery was held to decide which 55 would be a part of the first hearings.