HANOVER - ShopRite of Greater Morristown has filed an appeal with the state Alcoholic Beverage Commission over Hanover's rejection of the store's plan to serve alcohol, NewJerseyHills.com reported.
The Township Council denied ShopRite's application in late May to transfer part of its existing distribution license to allow for alcohol to be served in two areas of the store - a 14-seat enclosed area that serves seafood and an outdoor patio area where cooking classes are held.
Hanover Police Chief Stephen Gallagher testified in April about his concerns and questions, ranging from whether alcohol would make any already busy parking lot more dangerous or if it would lead to increased criminal activity.
Council members also expressed similar thoughts regarding the mingling of shoppers, including children, with patrons who were drinking.
In a 14-page resolution denying the liquor license transfer, the township explained its decision, saying it believed "the applicant did not answer" inquiries "as to the well being of children, families, public safety, traffic, land use considerations and the overall concerns raised as to the general public."
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Had the proposal been approved, ShopRite would have been the first grocery store in Morris County to serve alcohol to its customers.
The intent was not to transform ShopRite "into a neighborhood bar, but to add another amenity" that makes the shopping experience "unique and memorable," John Sumas, executive vice president of Village Supermarkets Inc., which operates nearly 30 ShopRite stores, including the Hanover location, has said.
Kimberly Redmond may be reached at kredmond@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kr0618. Find NJ.com on Facebook.