Giant Gets Municipal OK to Sell Beer, Moves on to PA LCB

Months before a supermarket competitor that sells beer opens at Montgomery Mall, Giant Food Store moves one step closer to Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board approval for a restaurant liquor license.

Giant Food Store at 1201 Knapp Road received the OK Tuesday night by Montgomery Township Supervisors for an intermunicipal restaurant liquor license transfer, as it plans to open a restaurant inside the supermarket and sell beer for consumption on site and for takeout, according to a letter from attorney Robert O’Hara III in the Montgomery Township Board of Supervisors action summary.

Montgomery Township Supervisors held a state-required public hearing for the transfer request Tuesday.

There is no liquor license available for purchase in Montgomery Township, according to the April 15, 2013 letter O’Hara wrote to township Manager Larry Gregan requesting a public hearing.

Giant Food Stores, LLC has entered into an agreement to buy a liquor license from Another Chinese Restaurant, LLC of Northtowne Plaza Shopping Center in East Norriton Township and move it to Montgomery Township.

Another Chinese Restaurant, LLC is managed by Wen Lin, according to the Montgomery Township Intermunicipal Transfer Liquor License application.

With supervisor approval, the application for transfer moves on for approval to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

According to the letter, Giant proposes an indoor restaurant with a seating capacity of 30. The restaurant will be another “dining alternative” for persons not shopping at the store, according to O’Hara.

The Pennsylvania LCB has approved eight liquor licenses for other Giant Food Stores.

Other establishments that sell liquor near Giant Food Store in Montgomery Township include Applebee’s, Village Tavern, Capital Wine & Spirits and Bob’s Cases and Kegs.

Construction for a Wegmans supermarket is underway at Montgomery Mall, with a targeted opening of Fall 2013. Wegmans will feature a dining area and beer sales. It has already received the OK for a liquor license transfer.