ABC to reject Trumann man's application

The Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Board last week denied a request by Trumann businessman Norman E. Francis Jr. to move a retail liquor and beer permit from a location on Highway 63 south of Marked Tree to a new location north of Harrisburg.

ABC Director Michael E. Langley said last week he would reject the application to move the location of the permit from Main Drag Liquor, located between Marked Tree and Tyronza, to 17997 Arkansas Highway 1 in Harrisburg. The new location is just south of the Craighead-Poinsett County line south of Jonesboro.

Langley said that he routinely rejects any applications concerning an off-premises license if a sheriff, police chief, mayor or any other elected official with jurisdiction in the area of the permit files an objection. After the application is rejected, the full ABC board will hear an appeal. The full board may hear the appeal within the next few days.

Poinsett County Sheriff Larry Mills objected to the move because there are currently two retail liquor establishments in that area. Poinsett Package Store is located at 17739 Arkansas Highway 1, and Country Liquor Store is at 16973 Arkansas Highway 1. Both stores are located in Harrisburg.

Mills objected to the movement of the retail liquor and beer permit because of the two existing stores within the area.

"I feel like the need is being adequately met by the existing businesses," Mills said. "I take each instance individually and try to make an objective decision. If there is what I perceive to be a good reason for the request, I won't object."

In this case, Mills said he believes the objection is warranted.

Attempts to contact Norman E. Francis Jr. were unsuccessful at press time.