New liquor store to open on 43rd and Chestnut streets

After weeks of trekking east to Center City and further west in Philadelphia, the Penn community will soon have a more convenient way of procuring alcohol.

A new liquor store is scheduled to open within the next few months in the 43rd and Chestnut streets plaza, University City Review reports. While the location is currently the site of Risqué Video, an adult video store, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is looking to open a new store once the lease for the video store expires.

The new liquor store will not be the first to serve West Philadelphia. Until this past January, Fine Wine & Good Spirits conducted business from their location at 41st and Market streets. The location closed on Jan. 14 due to issues with the site and the landlord, according to PLCB spokesperson Stacey Witalec.

College senior Joe Holder, who lives approximately two blocks from the closed store, is excited about the opening of the new location. After the old store closed, he would take the subway to 15th street to buy alcohol at the store on 19th and Chestnut streets.

“It’s definitely more accessible to students,” he said about the new store’s location.

According to the UC Review, some community members are concerned with the new opening. Along with the area’s zoning board committee, they met with Liquor Control Board District Manager Jimmette Bolden to discuss their concerns. Many members were hesitant about the possible presence of panhandlers, as well as other individuals who might gather around the liquor store later in the night to engage in social drinking and partying.

In response to community concerns, Bolden announced that Philadelphia Police will maintain a fairly constant presence at the new location by making stops at the store three to four times a day.

Bolden also said she believes the new liquor store will be more upscale compared to other shops in West Philadelphia.

However, Wharton and College junior Alice Kissilenko had reservations about the new location.

“I just turned 21, and I can personally attest to how much of a hassle it is [to walk downtown],” she said. Despite the convenience of a closer store, Kissilenko said she is concerned with how long the new store will stay open after the closing of the old store. Kissilenko believes the University had a strong influence on the 41st Street store closing, since the old store garnered a large amount of student business.

Wharton sophomore Ryan Becker, however, said the new location is good news for students.

“I’m definitely happy about it … it’s a lot closer. I don’t have to worry about getting a car, and it’s good business for them.”

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