New Gas Station Gets OK to Sell Alcohol

A gas station and convenience store selling wine by the bottle and beer in six- and 12-packs will be allowed to open on Lambert Road.

The Texaco station and store, approved recently by the City Council, will occupy a lot at 101 E. Lambert. City officials described the lot, in its current condition, as an eyesore.

The owner, Mehdi Sater, said he would not sell beer by the bottle at his store, expected to open in 1998. He cited studies showing that customers who buy just one bottle of beer are more likely to drink it outside the store or in their cars as they drive off.

Though officials agreed the prohibition on sales of single beers may cut down on drunks, some residents opposed the project, saying Lambert Road already has too many liquor stores.

Other residents, however, said any structure on the lot will be an improvement.