Nearby store owner objects as commission declines to recommend beer license for Dollar General

A Pinson grocery owner told the Jefferson County Commission on March 19 that a proposed beer license for a nearby Dollar General location was likely to put his longstanding store at a competitive disadvantage and could threaten its continued operation.

Amir Lakhani, who identified himself and his store’s address during the public hearing, said roughly 30–40% of his current sales come from beer and that a Dollar General adding beer could substantially reduce his revenue. Commissioners and staff asked clarifying questions about his business and the timing of Dollar General’s opening; Lakhani said the Dollar General began operating late 2025 and the presence of groceries already affected his business.

The commission closed the public hearing after Lakhani’s remarks. Because the county’s action on beverage license cases is advisory to the Alabama ABC board, commissioners noted the county’s vote would be a recommendation and not the final state decision. No commissioner moved to recommend approval or denial at the meeting; the item failed for lack of motion, so the county made no formal recommendation to the state ABC board at this session.

The transcript records the commission explaining the difference between its advisory role and the statewide Alcoholic Beverage Control process: the county can recommend but the ABC board makes final licensing decisions.