Tallmadge City Council on Feb. 27 voted 7-0 not to request a formal hearing on a liquor-permit notification filed by Sheetz for a future store location.

Law Director Raber told council the administrative form from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control gives the city only two choices: request a hearing or not. Raber said Sheetz discovered that alcohol sales are not currently authorized at the planned location; the company'9s outside counsel intends to circulate a precinct petition for approval by voters. Because Sheetz missed the timeline for the May ballot, Raber said the company is targeting the November election, and any permit issuance by the state would be delayed until after that vote.

Raber said the practical effect of requesting a hearing would be largely procedural because the state will not issue a permit where local authorization is lacking. Council members who spoke said they had not heard resident concerns specifically about liquor sales during zoning discussions and that they saw no need for a hearing; one council member noted Sheetz could pursue a special election but that would require the company to cover the cost.

Council approved a motion to not request a hearing by a roll call vote of 7-0. Raber said that if Sheetz later seeks a consumption-on-premises (D-1) permit, the city could reevaluate that application at that time.