ABC director denies Wal-Mart beer and wine permit requests in Fayetteville, company to appeal

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — State's Alcohol Beverage Control Director Michael Langley has denied Wal-Mart's request for permits to sell beer and wine at three stores in Fayetteville.

Company officials say they will appeal.

Langley says he denied the permits Wednesday based on opposition from Fayetteville Police Chief Greg Tabor. Langley says he denies permit requests anytime city or county officials oppose it to send the request before the full ABC board.

The board will meet next month.

Tabor says his opposition is based on Fayetteville being a college town and he's concerned about possible beer and wine sales to minors.

Wal-Mart officials say they have several security procedures to prevent sales to minors and any employee who sells alcohol to a minor is immediately fired.