Convenience store owner asks Crosby Township for endorsement to pursue on‑premises liquor permit

Darpan, owner and operator of New Haven Express at 6050 Cheviot Road, asked the Crosby Township Board of Trustees on Sept. 8 for a written endorsement allowing him to pursue a D1 or D5 liquor permit that would permit on‑premises alcohol service in a designated area inside his store. He said the business has operated a similar bar‑and‑gas‑station concept at a White Oak Marathon location since 2009 and that the model has worked without incidents there.

"We have been running [the concept] since 2015," Darpan said, noting his staff enforces rules and asks problem customers to leave. He told trustees the requested permit would consolidate several existing licenses and return released permit quota to the township for future applicants.

Trustees asked that township zoning inspector Rick review the proposal before a formal endorsement. "I'd like to have Rick run this past him in our zoning department before I would be comfortable endorsing anything," one trustee said. Trustees indicated they expect to consider the endorsement at their Oct. 13 meeting after that review.

Darpan said he is working with an attorney in Columbus who specializes in liquor licensing and that he will submit paperwork to the state once the township provides its letter. He also described plans for a small deli and a designated seating area and said the business would follow state rules and any local conditions the trustees require.

If the trustees provide a letter of endorsement, Darpan said his attorney will proceed with the application process and the township will receive formal notice from the Ohio Department of Commerce (Liquor Division) as part of that review.

The board did not take a vote on Sept. 8; trustees asked staff to notify Rick so the township can provide zoning guidance before the next meeting.