Package stores one step closer to opening in Milan

MILAN, Tenn. — The city of Milan is one step closer to beginning the process of welcoming package stores to set up shop in their community.

The board met Tuesday night not to take action but to be educated on how best to implement the new laws.

“This is meant to educate our board so that when we set up our local ordinances we do it right the first time,” Milan City Recorder Jason Griggs said.

In November, residents voted by large margins to allow package stores as well as wine to be sold in grocery stores beginning in 2016.

“A number of even smaller towns than Milan have been successful with this,” Dana Deem with the University of Tennessee said. “I really think it will happen here.”

The UT’s Municipal Technical Advisory Service presented examples and answered questions during the meeting so the city could begin planning when the stores could open for business.

“Some of the biggest items to consider are distance requirements and whether we should or should not limit the number of stores within the city,” Griggs said. “They said tonight they think we should let the free market reign.”

Another big topic was money, and city officials said these stores should bring in lots of it.

“Inspection fees, application fees and the sales tax consumption on this will be big,” Griggs said. “It’s a new revenue stream the city needs.”

Although the process may take a little while to implement, officials said there will not be any shortage of applicants.

“I know that there’s lots of interest. The day after the election we had three or four phone calls from people wanting to be the first store,” Griggs said. “I don’t know for sure when one will open, but I will promise you it will open as soon as possible.”

Another hot topic was background checks for owners of these new stores. The police department made a recommendation that they use a new service that would charge applicants but would get a more detailed check through the FBI before granting a permit.

Board members said they expect to have a drafted ordinance to be voted on by their next meeting in January.