The Nebraska Liquor Control Commission will decide whether or not to grant an upgraded liquor license to a store in Gifford Park.
Emotions ran high during an Omaha City Council meeting Tuesday during a hearing regarding a Class D liquor license for Danny's Corner Store on 33rd and California.
The Class D license would allow the store to sell hard alcohol. Currently, the store holds a Class B license, allowing it to sell beer.
Owner Daniel Dessi says his competitors are able to sell hard alcohol and he is at a disadvantage.
"I've been there from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day in that store," he said. "Everyday, 7 days a week."
Some neighbors in Gifford Park, however, oppose the new license. Robert Benzel, a resident in the area, says it would erode the progress the neighborhood has made in cleaning up its image.
"We moved into Gifford Park six years ago and the problems that we have had with Gifford Park stem from alcohol," Benzel said.
The city council voted unanimously to recommend a Class D liquor license for Danny's Corner Store, but with conditions. He would not be able to sell single cans of beer or shooters, small shot-sized portions of hard alcohol.
