Bethel's first liquor store in over 40 years is set to open this week, according to a story from KYUK Public Media.
AC Quickstop received the town's first liquor license last fall after decades of restricted alcohol sales, and Walter Pickett, AC general manager, said the store could open as early as Monday.
Last week, a few details still needed to be worked out: wiring security cameras, hooking up a phone, and installing a bulletproof front door. Pickett said they were also waiting for beer to arrive. The wine and spirits, he said, were already in stock.
Bethel Police Chief Andre Achee toured the facility Thursday. Achee said he expects emergency call volume to increase with the liquor store opening and doesn't know if he'll have the staff keep up.
The police department is budgeted for 15 officers. Currently, it has six. Achee has presented plans to increase staffing to Bethel City Council, which haven't received approval.
The store created 12 jobs -- 10 store clerks and two security guards. All the employees, Pickett said, have received state certification to sell alcohol.
The store will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. People must be 21 or older to enter.
The liquor store is part of a larger, more than million-dollar renovation of the AC Quickstop that will continue through summer.
Bethel Spirits, a subsidiary of Bethel Native Corp., holds the town's one other liquor store license but has yet to open.
This story has been reprinted with permission from the original at KYUK Public Media.