If approved by Ward 3 Precinct 1 voters on election day, Nov. 5, Union Street Market will be able to serve its community with hard liquor, alongside beer and wine, all week long.
According to the Ohio Department of Commerce website, a store must have a D-6 liquor permit to sell intoxicating liquor Sundays, including wine, prepackaged mixed beverages and high-proof spirits.
The Athens Ward 3 Precinct 1 ballot will allow voters to approve the permission for Sunday liquor sales at Union Street Market.
Alan McMillan, the owner of Union Street Market, opened the market in 2007. McMillan said Union Street Market can sell low-alcohol spirits six days a week, but it needs to upgrade its license to sell liquor on Sundays.
However, the Ohio Department of Commerce website says that a liquor permit holder can sell beer Sundays regardless of whether they have a D-6 permit.
“If it gets approved by the voters, then we’ll have the full complement for beer, wine and alcoholic drinks like High Noons and canned beverages,” McMillan said.
McMillan said beer sales are falling because beer isn’t as popular with the new generation.
“They love seltzers and other alcohols … now customers are requesting them seven days a week,” McMillan said.
McMillan said if the issue is passed, the market will look and act the same, except it will be able to sell the same products Sunday.
“Customers don't understand why they can’t buy the same product they can buy six days a week,” McMillan said.
McMillan said he thinks Union Street Market is one of the only liquor stores in Athens that cannot sell liquor on Sundays. He also said he wants to treat the customers well and provide them with the products they want seven days a week.
“We’re asking for something that is so minor,” McMillan said. “It has more to do with the bureaucracy of liquor laws in the state of Ohio.”
McMillan said he prioritizes caring for his customers, noting the market stayed open during COVID while many other convenience stores closed.
“It's a family-owned business,” McMillan said. “The community knows Union Street Market, and we just want to treat our customers well.”
