In an effort to improve their bottom line, Walgreens is applying for licenses to sell liquor in stores across the country. The application to begin selling wine and beer at their 15th Ave E store was approved this week by the Washington State Liquor Control Board. It was one of eight Walgreens stores in Seattle approved for the license — some 14 applied. A license for the Walgreens on Broadway at Pine which is part of a Capitol Hill Housing development  was not applied for.

While some communities have been quick to approve the licenses, others have faced opposition from residents and business owners where the stores are located.

On Capitol Hill, Walgreens can now start selling beer and wine just like QFC and Safeway down the street. With Walgreens, there’s a bit of history to consider, however.

Walgreens pharmacy, Capitol Hill, Seattle
Originally uploaded by Julia Manzerova

Walgreens’ presence on 15th Ave E had a controversial start as the drugstore chain replaced the beloved City’s People’s Mercantile which shut down its Capitol Hill location in 2001 after selling the property to developers. When Walgreens announced its plans to move onto 15th Ave, it faced a barrage of opposition to plans for a 24-hour pharmacy drive-through and a large sign. Walgreens and the developers acquiesced to some of the community demands saying they never planned the drive-through anyway, they wouldn’t put up the large light-up sign and they would add community elements like the large, rather odd mural you see there today.

How that history affected the license application process isn’t known. CHS didn’t become aware of the 15th Ave E application submitted on December 29 until after the public comment period was closed in January and groups like the Capitol Hill Community Council were also not aware of the application.