Renner denies Hucks’ request for new liquor license to allow video gaming

Tari Renner
Bloomington mayor Tari Renner denied a request for Huck’s to service alcohol on site. (WJBC file photo)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – A convenience store has been struck down in its request to get a new liquor license so it can get into the video gaming business.

Bloomington mayor and liquor commissioner Tari Renner refused the request for Huck’s to get a liquor license for alcohol consumption onsite.

Renner tells WJBC’s Scott Laughlin and Patti Penn it appears the neighborhoods around the Huck’s stores on Hershey Road and Oakland Avenue don’t want it.

PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Patti’s interview with Renner on WJBC. 

“Everyone who spoke at (the city’s liquor commission) hearing was against it, so I told them I’m not going to waste your time and mine,” Renner said. “I’m not bringing this to the council, I can’t recommend this.”

Police also feared an increased number of service calls should customers be drinking on site.

“(Police) have had some calls in these locations,” Renner said, referencing Assistant Police Chief Ken Bays’ comments at the hearing. “He thought having people drinking and being involved in video poker and such would likely increase the calls for service.”

A state law requires businesses must have a liquor license to run video gaming – with a few exceptions, including truck stops.

Huck’s has liquor licenses to sell all types of alcohol at its 501 N. Hershey Road location and sell packaged beer and wine at its 102 W. Oakland Ave. store.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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