Anchorage conditionally protests four Fred Meyer liquor license renewals over unpaid taxes

The Anchorage Assembly voted Monday to conditionally protest the renewal of four Fred Meyer package store liquor licenses, freezing state processing until the company pays outstanding municipal taxes.

Under Alaska's alcohol licensing process, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board cannot approve a renewal until the local governing body has protested or waived that right. The protest covers stores at 7701 Debarr Road in Muldoon, 2000 W. Dimond Blvd., 2300 Abbott Rd., and 13401 Old Glenn Hwy. in Eagle River. Assembly Chair Anna Brawley submitted the measure ahead of the July 11 protest deadline.

All other renewal requirements were already satisfied, including an approved Special Land Use Permit and certifications from Land Use Enforcement, the Anchorage Police Department, the Anchorage Fire Department, the Anchorage Health Department, and the Building Safety Official.

Municipal Clerk Jamie Heinz stated the reason plainly: "Taxes are owed to the Municipality of Anchorage." Heinz is authorized to lift the protest and notify the Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office once Fred Meyer pays its outstanding balance, without any further Assembly vote.