BERNARDSTON — For the past year, Country Corner Store Owner Jeff Klein has been considering expanding the items on his store’s shelves.
Now, his idea could be coming closer to fruition. Klein applied for a package store license with the Selectboard, which is holding a public hearing concerning the license on Wednesday at 6:05 p.m. during its regularly scheduled meeting at Town Hall.
Before Falltown Spirits, formerly located at 77 Church St., closed in 2015, Klein said the store was the primary place to buy liquor in Bernardston. Since the package store’s closing, Klein said customers have suggested he gain the package store license that the closure made available. Country Corner Store, located at 44 Church St., is already permitted to sell beer and wine, Klein said.
“It’s just another way to expand my store, basically,” he said. “I think people will be very receptive.”
Should the public hearing go favorably for Klein, and the Selectboard and Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) approve the license, Klein said the plan is to start by selling vodka, gin and other popular liquors depending on what customers want.
“We’ll start small and work our way into it,” he said. “It’s pretty exciting.”
According to Town Coordinator Hugh Campbell, Bernardston allows two package store licenses. Kringle Candle, which Campbell said operates a liquor shop adjacent to The Farm Table, holds one package store license.