The City Council denied Wrightway Market’s conditional use permit to sell alcohol on September 13th, effectively, stripping their ability to sell alcohol.

The market, located at 330 Evans Ave., had its liquor license taken in November 2022, after the Reno Police Department claimed that the business was responsible for increased crime in the area.

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) and RPD recommended the denial of the appeal, referencing statistics from a three-month

The council ultimately based its decision to deny the permit on the market’s proximity to the rehab center and transit station. Wrightway Market had been in business for years selling alcohol before the rehab facility moved in.

Meghan Ebert, who was in favor of granting a beer and wine license, said she was concerned about the food deserts downtown. “We have a 72% vacancy rate in downtown already. We should be supporting businesses.”

“It’s difficult to have ‘compatibility‘ in a packed urban environment, and I’m not moved by that [argument],” said council member Jenny Brekhus. She argued that crime occurs all over the downtown sector, but the council is not suggesting revoking any privilege licenses of businesses in the downtown vicinity where other crimes occur.

“Calls for service were added to the market record, along with several other calls that occurred in the vicinity but did not involve the Market directly,” said Bob Dylan, owner of Wright-Way Market. Dylan provided video after video of incidences occurring on the city street or near the bus station.

Council members Hillary Schieve and Devon Reese said that the calls for service did not factor into the decision.

The council voted to uphold the denial of the appeal. Council members Brekhus and Ebert voted against a denial.