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Polk County approves alcohol license for Station Express in 3-2 vote
Summary
The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved a Retail Package Outlet license for Jay Ganesh 650 Inc dba Station Express (650 Prior Station Road) on Aug. 5, 2025, with a 3-2 vote after officials cited an ordinance exemption despite the store being 295 feet from a residence.
Polk County commissioners on Aug. 5 approved a Retail Package Outlet license for Jay Ganesh 650 Inc dba Station Express, allowing the convenience store at 650 Prior Station Road to sell malt beverages and wine.
Chief Evans reported that the distance from the store to a nearby residence "measured 295 feet," which does not meet the 500-foot separation ordinarily required by county ordinance. Staff said the ordinance contains an exemption for grocery or convenience stores where alcohol sales are incidental to groceries and similar items, and the applicant met the other licensing requirements. The county clerk confirmed the application paperwork was complete.
Commissioner Chuck Thaxton moved to approve the license; Commissioner John Paschal seconded. The motion passed with Commissioners Michael Gravett, John Paschal and Chuck Thaxton voting in favor; Commissioners Linda Liles and Gary Martin voted against. The minutes record the motion and the roll-call split but do not indicate any abstentions.
The board did not attach further conditions to the license in the meeting minutes. The license approval follows staff verification of distance and compliance with the exemption noted in the county ordinance. No appeal or further administrative steps were recorded in the minutes.
Next steps: county staff will complete licensing paperwork as required by county procedures and notify the applicant; the minutes do not specify a timeline for issuance.
