Except for beer delivered with it
Posted on September 24, 2007
Beer consumption in Harrisonburg might soon be reaching a new high as Midtowne Market expands its convenience store by adding a delivery service that includes beer, wine, pizza and other convenience items.
“In my opinion, this is what delivery should be,” David Miller, co-owner of Midtowne Market, said.
The delivery service is a result of a revised Virginia law that now allows Virginia businesses to apply for a permit to deliver beer and wine. Originally, Virginia state legislators proposed a law designed to promote Virginia wine sales through home delivery. Federal courts eventually struck down the law due to conflicts with interstate commerce laws.
However, a revised version of the law, sponsored by Sen. John Watkins (R-10), reinstated the rights of Virginia businesses to apply for a permit to deliver beer and wine within the state.
Delivery has always been part of the plan for Midtowne Market; a convenience store located on West Water Street since Jan.. The store originally planned to deliver any item within the store, such as Red Bull and Advil as well as prepared sandwiches, soups and salads from Harrisonburg restaurants like Mr. J’s and the Artful Dodger. Once the owners became aware of the revised Virginia beer and wine delivery law, they revamped their plan to include the alcohol.
“When we first opened we knew that we wanted to deliver convenience items and food,” Miller said. “We also have a spotless ABC record and the new law fit in beautifully with our proposed delivery plan.”
Another addition to the delivery service came through a partnership with Mark Batten, the owner of Luigi’s Downtown Pizza Co.. The two establishments teamed up and Midtowne Market is now offering delivery of Luigi’s pizza along with wine and beer.
The new law comes with several stipulations to ensure the safety and responsibility of the establishment delivering and the people ordering the items. Midtowne can only deliver beer and wine until midnight and is required to obtain proper identification upon delivery.
Midtowne hopes to avoid legal issues by requiring two forms of identification from anyone getting beer or wine delivered to them.
“We only take credit cards, it’s the safest way,” Miller said. “Getting a driver’s license and a credit card is a way to ensure that we see two forms of identification.”
Midtowne also charges a $3 fee for all deliveries.
“The delivery charge is basically the cost of a gallon of gas,” Miller said. “We’re saving you money and time and only charging you a gallon of gas for delivering anything that you want.”
Some students are unsure if the fee is really a convenience.
“I don’t know if people will want to spend more money to get beer,” freshman Kristopher Pourzal said. “College students are poor and people often do dumb things to save money.”
Some think alcohol delivery will cut down on drinking and driving.
“I mean, if they’re going to deliver, it’ll definitely be safer,” sophomore Lane Nation said. “They’ll just call, the beer will come to them so they can stay inside and hopefully not get hurt.”
Others are less optimistic, afraid that the service will encourage more drinking.
“I guess it’s a good idea, it will definitely be against drunk driving,” freshman Leanne Hourihan said. “It might encourage more drinking though, people will get more wasted than they would before.”
Despite some students’ qualms, Miller is enthusiastic about the safety and positive aspects of the delivery service.
“We want to help people get beer responsibly,” said Miller. “If you’ve had one, don’t hit the road, call us instead.”
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