Over the next three weeks, you’re going to hear this on KYUK: “Swanson’s Liquor Store, LLC is making an application for a new package store AS.04.11.150 liquor license.”
That's right. Swanson’s has entered the race for Bethel’s third and final liquor store license. Cliff Linderoth, Swanson’s Facilities Manager, is the voice you'll be hearing making the announcement.
That makes four applicants that are competing for the final license: Kusko Liquor, Alaska Commercial Company, Tundra Liquor Cache, and Swanson’s.
The retailer has applied to turn its old furniture store into a liquor shop. The building is the old World War II-era quonset hut on Tundra Street next to the Swanson’s Grocery and Hardware Stores.
Linderoth says that a liquor store would add to the already long and varied legacy possessed by the old building.
“It’s had quite a history. I’ve heard it’s been an arcade. It’s been a dance hall. Just recently it was used for a Cinco de Mayo party,” said Linderoth.
A liquor store, Linderoth says, has recently become part of Swanson’s business plan.
