A new Galesburg grocery store will be able to sell packaged liquor despite the objection of two City Council members.
Galesburg Aldermen on Monday approved a Class C-1 liquor license for Save More, a new grocery expected to open within the next two week at 900 E. Main St., the former Sav A Lot. The license was approved 5-2, with Ward 3 Alderman Evan Miller and Ward 4 Alderman Dwight White casting no votes.
A Class C-1 license allows for the sale of all types of alcoholic liquor for consumption off the premises only (packaged liquor). The ordinance will increase the number of Class C-1 liquor licenses issued to 31 in the City of Galesburg.
“I think we have enough liquor stores. The neighborhoods these are in, they need grocery stores, not grocery stores that sell liquor.” — Dwight White, Galesburg Fourth Ward alderman
Miller and White both contended Galesburg had enough liquor store outlets before casting their no votes on the ordinance.
“I think we have enough liquor stores,” White said. “The neighborhoods these are in, they need grocery stores, not grocery stores that sell liquor. If it was a grocery store that (only) sold food, I’d be more than happy to vote yes for it.”
Miller pointed to a recent rash of violence in town, noting several shootings in Galesburg, as one of his reasons to deny an additional liquor license in the city.
Miller added, “I agree with Mr. White — I think we have enough liquor stores. I think we need to step back, look at the mental health problem, and proceed with caution with it comes to more alcohol.
“Alcohol and drugs are a problem in my neighborhood. We’ve got a problem folks, and we need to address it, instead of adding to it.”
Cost of an annual liquor license is $2,450.
The former Sav A Lot closed in June 2023.
The city issued a commercial building permit on Jan. 5 to Jesse Singh of Rock Island. The permit request says the applicant plans to divide the building at 900 E. Main St. into three separate units.
According the city, the developer that will bring the Save More store to 900 E. Main St. is PKS Petro Market Inc./DBA Save More Super Market. The developers were in attendance at Monday’s City Council meeting and said they expect the store could open within two weeks, pending city inspections.
Site plans obtained from the city show the property being divided into three units — all with store fronts and entrances on the north side of the building facing Main Street.
Original plans had the building be subdivided into a restaurant, gaming machines and a laundromat. However, city officials said Monday that no gaming will be permitted at this location.
