Warren council members object to liquor licenses

Officials against renewals for Big Apple Supermarket, Pit Stop

WARREN -- Council members will object to renewal of liquor licenses at the Big Apple Supermarket and Pit Stop stores.

Council voted unanimously Wednesday to object to two stores' liquor licenses when they come up for state renewal this fall.

Councilman James Shaffer requested a vote to have the state take away their alcohol sales privileges.

Shaffer has said multiple times that he is not looking to "shut down anyone's business," but cited recurring crime and nuisances around the stores.

After a private meeting among city officials and both store owners at city hall last Monday, Law Director Enzo Cantalamessa said parties positively worked toward finding solutions to benefit the stores and community.

Owners of Big Apple Supermarket at 1650 Youngstown Warren Road SE, and Pit Stop, 1708 Youngstown Warren Road SE, have declined to discuss the situation. But store manager Ammar Zayed briefly spoke about their licenses facing expiration.

Zayed said Pit Stop tries to keep the store as clean as possible, and that its biggest profit does not come from alcohol sales. Both stores jointly paid for a $30,000 camera system.

Safety Service Director Eddie Colbert noted "over 300" calls were made to law enforcement, but he credited the businesses because a large amount of the calls actually came from the businesses.

"There's no question that they have done some positive things, but regardless of whoever's best intentions, it simply just has not been enough." Colbert said.

During Wednesday's meeting, Councilwoman-at-Large Helen Rucker said she hopes the businesses understand the seriousness of the objection.

"Coming from the 6th Ward, I know how devastating it can be to lose a 'corner store,'" Rucker said. "But I know it's a two-way street, because I don't think there is a councilman in this room who does not have complaints about these businesses. And some of the behavior that we have seen at these establishments has just been outrageous."

"Your business is like your home," Rucker continue d. "And if you excuse bad behavior at your house, people will complain. And they will complain if it's at your business too, because it is your property. And when people get fed up, you will wind up with what happened in the 6th Ward when your community is dry and you lose tax revenue."

2nd Ward Councilman Andrew Herman followed Rucker's remarks in asking Cantalamessa, "What is the law regarding liquor licenses, and if this establishment loses one could it be bought by another company?"

"There are limitations, but those limitations are imposed by the state," Cantalamessa answered. "If the businesses … were to lose their liquor licenses, those, I suspect, would be available to other businesses. But not necessarily in those locations."

He continued: "I want to be very clear. This matter came before us, as a result of calls from the police department, neighbors, as well as people just passing through on occasion, and we're not here considering these pieces (of legislation) for no reason."

The state will not be advised to decide on the licenses until October or November, according to Shaffer.

"Most liquor license renewals are within the months of August, September and October," Cantalamessa noted earlier. "Theirs is coming up. And from a timing standpoint, cities who are faced with this position, to object to a renewal or not, have to do so within at least 30 days of the renewal date. So that's why we are where we are."