The campus prohibition is over. Penn announced yesterday that a new liquor store will occupy Philly Diner’s old location next month.
The new store, Philly Winer, is opening on April 24 and will undergo renovations starting today, according to Director of Facilities and Real Estate Ed Datz.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s permit for the new site, and the building has passed all safety codes.
Procuring alcohol has been increasingly more difficult for students lately. Fine Wine & Good Spirits, located at 41st and Market streets, was permanently closed on Jan. 14 due to issues with the physical site and the landlord. And College senior Alex Ball was forced to discontinue his alcohol delivery service, Penn Delivers, due to “difficulties in the licensing process.” Students almost protested.
Wharton junior Stephen Coors feels that “it’s about time for a liquor store to open up close to campus. It’s a pain going into the city to just get a handle for the weekend.”
Store owner Abe Solut agreed, “it’s a perfect location since it’s so convenient for students living on campus. But we’ll definitely be wary of underage students with fake I.D.s. We won’t tolerate that here.”
However, Marguerita Stein, Nursing freshman and secretary of the Penn Christian Club, is upset the store will not be open in time for Fling.
“Not only am I pissed that I didn’t get a Fling floor pass, this is unacceptable that the store will open after the biggest weekend of the year,” she said.
Solut has already made marketing plans to publicize the store’s opening these next few months.
“The Ben & Jerry’s free cone day seemed like really successful. I might offer something like that for Radian residents or something,” he said.
Plans for another liquor store at 43rd and Chestnut streets fell through and the building will remain the home of Risqué Video.
For more information, check out this related story.
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