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November 13, 2003
 ENOUGH!!!
Dr. Matthews, director of the CCCC, really summed
it up when she said "We have enough issues to deal with at this time"
when speaking in opposition to yet another alcohol outlet opening
so close to LSU's campus. The community attendance was strong, and
clearly organized. The ABC board said that it was the most
organized and strongest show in opposition to date! There are may
people working in this area to improve the environment in this
community with a new resource center for children being planned,
neighborhood association area clean up projects, and abandon home
restorations, it was clear tonight that their progress did not invite
additional barriers to growth in adding another alcohol outlet in an
already struggling area of Baton Rouge. One resident talked about
all the glass bottles thrown in her yard, and concern relating to her
children and their safety. Another home owners association member
talked about the fear that the redevelopment of abandon properties would
not continue to expand if more plight was welcomed into the community!
Another issue identified was concern for the residents living in the
therapeutic recovery houses directly next door (Miriam's House)--placing
those more vulnerable to relapse one step closer with yet another
alcohol outlet. Sharon Ayres with the Alliance to prevent underage
drinking discussed concern related to environment placing too many youth
at even greater risk by adding another outlet. The message was
loud and clear from many diverse people and groups saying "We have
enough"!
The ABC board clearly respects the community they
serve on this issue, and we are appreciative of their show of support by
denying this application for yet another outlet in our area!
ABC Board heard the community, thanks to residents, the CCCC, LSU, and
Louisiana Alliance, and Recovering community here in HopeNetworks!
ABC board denies Nicholson Drive store alcohol license
After staunch opposition from community groups and area
residents, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board on Thursday denied a
Nicholson Drive convenience store near LSU a license to sell alcohol.
Board members voted, 4-2, against Jimmy Nguyen getting
a license to sell liquor and beer from a store he planned to buy at
2801 Nicholson Drive. The building is vacant.
Many area residents said there are enough alcohol
outlets around their homes. The store, which would have been next to a
planned private educational center, would drag down an already
troubled neighborhood, opponents said. The store is down the street
from the west side of LSU. Nancy Matthews, director of a campus group
that tries to reduce excessive drinking, said there are three alcohol
outlets in a five-block area near where Nguyen wanted to open.
Nguyen, who owns another convenience store, said he
needed the license to run a successful business that would have about
40 percent in alcohol sales. Without the license, he said, he wouldn't
be able to afford the mortgage on the building.
After more than an hour of public comments -- all
opposing the license -- and Nguyen's testimony, the board turned him
down. The board also said the Nguyen could not apply for a license at
the Nicholson Drive location for two years.
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