Metro councilwoman wants Family Dollar ABC applications denied

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Louisville Metro Councilwoman Donna Purvis is calling on the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to deny Family Dollar's application to sell beer and malt beverages at three of its west Louisville locations.

The retail chain recently submitted applications for an NQ Retail Malt Beverage Package License at thirteen locations. Three of those locations are in District 5, which Purvis represents. The locations are: 3901 W. Market St.; 3022 Portland Ave.; and 1419 W. Jefferson St.

Jackie Floyd is a longtime resident of the Russell neighborhood and one of several concerned citizens who joined Councilwoman Purvis during a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

"In Russell, there are 18 places where you can buy alcohol products," Floyd said.

According to Floyd, the three Family Dollar locations are in areas where people already have access to alcoholic beverages.

"In the west end, the Family Dollar stores are located within one to three blocks of establishments that sell some type of alcohol products," Floyd says.

Purvis accused the retail chain of preying on those already dealing with substance abuse.

"We have enough drugs here. We have enough alcohol here. We have people who have lost hope because they have put all of their hopes in substances," Purvis said.

She also the store of not meeting the real needs of the community.

"They are not good neighbors. They do not keep their stores clean inside/out, and most of the time, their shelves are bare of a lot of items that consumers are shopping for," Purvis said.

Family Dollar released this statement to WLKY Wednesday evening:

"Family Dollar does not sell liquor, but some of our stores do offer name-brand beer and wine, similar to the brands found at grocery retailers, and often at better prices. We are committed to operating responsibly through comprehensive training programs and exams for our associates specific to alcohol sales. Of course, we will abide by any decision made by the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control."

Family Dollar previously applied for the same license five years ago and was denied. Now, this group is hoping to block it again.

They're calling on others in the community to send letters to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control opposing the applications.

"It has to stop. We need to start sending these corporations a message — you're not going to come down here and have your way with our people," Purvis said.

Purvis is encouraging residents to send those letters to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control at 500 Mero St. 2NE33, Frankfort, KY 40601. They must be postmarked no later than Friday, Sept. 1.

You can also email letters directly to Purvis' office at [email protected].