07/01/11  The Alcohol Beverage Board of Marshall County will hold a public hearing on July 1 concerning an alcoholic beverage (beer and wine) permit for applicant Family Express Corporation. The permit would be for a new store at 1351 S. Michigan St., Plymouth. The building is currently under construction.

In November of 2010, Mike Berrier, special project manger for Family Express, appeared before the board to request an alcoholic permit for the Family Express store located on the corner of Oak Road and Jefferson St. in Plymouth. However, the local board was not persuaded that the city needed another outlet for beer and wine sales and motioned 3 to 1 to deny the permit. Members Vida Creed, Katie May, and Maria Keller all voted against the permit, while Indiana State Excise Officer Michelle Traughber voted in favor of the permit.

When the matter was considered by the state commission on November 16, 2010, they voted unanimously to uphold the local board decision and deny the new permit.

But in February of 2011, the Indiana State Alcohol and Tobacco Commission held an appeal hearing. Following that hearing, the state board voted in approval of the permit.

Berrier assured the Marshall County Board that Family Express Corporation has restrictive policies in place for employees who sell alcohol and tobacco products. At the November, 2010 meeting, Berrier said the company had 52 stores and employees some 500 people.

The application permit for the store near completion is listed as #54.

Family Express does have permits to sell alcoholic products at other locations in the state.

Marshall County Board President Vida Creed said those wishing to speak for or against the permit will be heard on July 5 at the public hearing. The meeting is set for 10:00 A.M. in the Marshall County Building in the Commissioner’s Office.

Keller explained that those unable to attend the meting, can submit opinions in written form as well and that written correspondence will be considered.

Family Express headquarters are in Valparaiso.

 Carol Anders Correspondent