Council recommends approval of Kwik Trip beer-and-wine license despite neighborhood protest

The Prescott City Council voted to recommend approval of a series 10 beer-and-wine liquor license for Kwik Trip store #1548, a new convenience market proposed on East State Route 69.

Why it matters: The council’s recommendation goes to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control, which issues liquor licenses under state law. Nearby residents said the store would draw late-night customers, increase traffic and harm neighborhood safety; Kwik Trip representatives said packaged beer and wine sales serve local convenience needs and that the company maintains clean sites.

The application: The applicant asked for a series 10 license (packaged beer and wine sales). Staff reported the application met statutory requirements and that one protest packet from the Prescott Canyon Estates homeowners association — including resident letters — had been received and forwarded to the council.

Public comment: Karen Monks, representing Prescott Canyon Estates, told council the neighborhood of about 255 homes was within one mile of the proposed site and she urged denial, citing potential for increased loitering, homelessness, late-night noise given extended hours and added traffic near Highway 69. Other neighbors cited safety concerns and asked the council to weigh community impact.

Applicant response: Lauren Proper Potter spoke for Kwik Trip and Charles Hillmantle (the proposed liquor agent) and said the requested license would serve the immediate neighborhood and reduce the need for additional trips to other stores. Potter said Kwik Trip has a strong compliance record and that the store would operate 24 hours to serve shift workers, emergency personnel and late-night customers. Potter also said Kwik Trip prioritizes clean, well-run sites and would work with the community.

Council action: After closing the public hearing, the council moved to recommend approval to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. The recommendation passed with two votes in favor, two votes against and one abstention (result recorded as passes 2-2-1; an abstention was treated as an affirmative for the recommendation under council procedure). The council clerk reminded members the state ultimately determines issuance under state rules.

Legal context: Council members discussed state administrative rules (Rule 19-1-702 and related statutes) that allow local governments to consider petitions and testimony from people who reside or own property within one mile of a proposed liquor-license location and to weigh neighborhood impacts, hours of operation and public safety in making a recommendation to the state.

Next steps: The council’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for final disposition. Residents who submitted protests may follow the state process at that level.