Dollar General seeks 30 alcoholic beverage licenses for stores in Indianapolis, continuing a trend the company has begun in other states; dollar stores are 'looking more like convenience stores,' says industry official

Cindy Allen

LOS ANGELES , January 18, 2012 (Industry Intelligence) – Dollar General Corp. has applied for 30 alcoholic beverage licenses for stores in Indianapolis, Indystar.com reported Jan. 18.

Tawn Earneste, a representative for Dollar General, said that the move is a bid to offer customers additional convenience.

The hearing for the first ten licenses, held on Jan. 17, was continued to at least Feb. 21.

Jeff Lenard, the vice president of the National Association of Convenience Stores, said that a number of dollar stores have tried to expand away from their traditional market segment.

He added, "Dollar stores are looking more like convenience stores. The marketing channels are blurring. The evolution continues."

Dollar General has previously acquired 259 liquor permits in Ohio, and at least 50 permits in Arkansas.

At a state auction last year, under the name of Dolgencorp LLC, Dollar General purchased 30 liquor permits in Indiana.

Neighborhood groups in Indianapolis are protesting Dollar General’s application for 30 liquor licenses.

"Our view is that our neighborhoods already have enough places selling alcohol," said Norman Pace, who works with the Warren Township Development Association, "Between the grocery stores, pharmacies -- Walgreens and CVS have been expanding -- and the package stores, restaurants, the gas stations and convenience stores, our community doesn't need any more."

The primary source of this article is Indystar.com, Indianapolis, Indiana, on Jan. 18, 2012.

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.