Beer on display at the beer garden at the ShopRite in Fairless Hills.
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
In the near future customers get to grab some beer and a bite at the Newtown Acme.
The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors approved 4-1 the transfer of a liquor license from a closed eatery in Upper Southampton to the Acme on West Road. The liquor license will coincide with the future opening of a combined eatery and beer and wine section in the store, which will be called the “The Frosty Mug Cafe.”
A plan for the special section shows that it will sit in the center rear of the Acme and be separated by barriers from the rest of the grocery store. The proposed hours for the establishment are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Sundays.
Beer will be sold at a special register and customers will be carded. Gov. Tom Wolf signed a historic state liquor law expansion on Wednesday and Acme officials said they plan to apply for a new special license to sell wine in the new section of the store.
The proposed special section will have 30 seats for customers, said an attorney representing Acme. He added that there will be no live entertainment.
The attorney said Acme anticipates customers could grab a prepared meal and have a glass of wine or beer to be consumed on site. In addition, food and alcohol can be purchased for takeout in accordance with state regulations.
Dan Croce, president of Acme, said beer and wine being sold at the grocery story is something customers have asked for in the past. He also said the store will be adding a Starbucks for customers.
In other Acme locations, the concept is called the Frosted Mug Cafe and is in seven company stores. From time to time, the locations offer beer samplings and special events.
In response to a question from Supervisor Phil Calabro, Acme officials said they will not have a bouncer at the new section but the rules are designed to limit customers from becoming intoxicated.
In Pennsylvania, 350 groceries stores can sell beer.
