Deal could bring El Con Walmart liquor license

Last year, dozens of residents of the surrounding neighborhoods packed an Arizona State Liquor Board hearing to oppose a liquor license . They said late-night drinking could fuel a spike in crime. The liquor board unanimously voted to deny the license.

But things have changed .

Now, the retail giant has a signed deal with the El Encanto and Colonia Solana neighborhood associations in which the two groups agree not to oppose the store’s most recent application to sell beer and wine.

In exchange, Walmart agrees to close its doors every night at 11 p.m., except Saturdays when it will remain open until midnight. The store can also stay open for extended hours during the holiday shopping season.

Walmart also won’t sell guns or ammunition while it holds a liquor license, nor will it apply for a liquor license upgrade for at least two years.

The deal is contingent upon the liquor board granting Walmart a license.

“It is encouraging that we have reached an agreement with neighborhood associations in the El Con Mall area,” said Delia Garcia, a Walmart spokeswoman. “And we will continue to engage with stakeholders as we move toward application of a limited liquor license to better serve customers at this store location.”

In another positive sign for Walmart, the Tucson City Council unanimously recommended Tuesday night that the liquor board approve the liquor license.

Last year, the council recommended that the state board deny the license.

But on Tuesday, while a few neighbors filed written complaints, no one spoke out against the license before the council voted.

Councilman Steve Kozachik, who worked to broker a deal, said it’s possible the two sides have finally found détente after years of conflict.

“There’s a ton of passion on both sides of this issue. It’s great that the parties stuck with it and hammered out a deal that works for the long-term interests of everyone involved,” Kozachik said. “Now let’s all go have a beer to celebrate, as long as we do it before the 11 p.m. closing time.”

Walmart’s application is awaiting a hearing before the state board.