Did that title get your attention?
Homer Village Market is located in a "dry" township, Burlington Township, in Licking County, Ohio. People living in this community have to travel at least 2 miles but usually 4 or more miles to find a place to buy a bottle of wine or a pack of beer.
Burlington Township is a sprawling, rural area covering about 25 square miles. Homer Village Market is located in the far northwestern edge of the Township, about twenty miles from the county seat, Newark, but only three miles south of the Knox County boundary. State Route 661, the highway that intersects with the store's Homer Road address, is a busy road with many commuters between Granville and Mount Vernon and those traveling further north to Interstate 71, Mansfield, Loudenville, or Bellville.
Even with all that traffic, the sparsely populated, unincorporated community of Homer and the surrounding rural neighborhoods do not provide enough business for Homer Village Market to make a profit selling groceries and cold pop. Over the years, many people have asked for beer and wine and wonder when it will be offered. Many people state that is the reason they do not shop at the store as much as they would otherwise, because they have to go into town "anyhow" for beer or wine.
Beer and wine is relatively expensive, so this is not something people normally stock in their pantries to last them all month. Most people who consume beer or wine will shop for it daily or weekly rather than stocking a month's supply. Homer Village Market is missing all of those taxable sales, and instead customers are taking their business elsewhere and picking up their groceries at the same time.
Maybe I'm hardheaded, but I didn't believe my suppliers when they told me it would not be possible to make a profit in a convenience store without alcohol sales. After more than seven years in business here, I have to finally admit they were right. That is why I am finally going to the voters to ask for permission to add beer and wine to the shelves and coolers at the Homer Village Market! I will be very grateful to the voters if the issues pass, so the store can continue operating and serving the people who have come to rely on its convenience!
If you are registered to vote in Burlington Township (Licking County, Ohio), please VOTE YES on the two local ballot questions regarding (1) beer and wine carryout and (2) beer carryout on Sundays. Thank you!
