Construction Approved for New Bel Air Liquors Location

plans to take the first step in its move across town by next week. The business recently received its construction permit from the and hopes to break ground on South Main Street in the coming days.

Currently on Hickory Avenue across from the , Bel Air Liquors will move into the space adjacent to and across from .

“Our goal is to be in the new store sometime in March, early April,” owner Larry Dean told Patch.

The new space will be 6,500 square feet—1,200 of which will be subleased. The existing location is only about 2,800 square feet.

“We’ll be increasing the wine selection and the craft beer selection,” Dean said. “We’ll be able to have a more shoppable store. The aisles will be wider. We’ll be able to put up more unique-looking displays.”

Dean said the move was sparked by the county’s purchase of his existing property, and the fact that his business has outgrown the location. He bought the property where the new store will go in 2009.

“It’s going to be a building that looks like it could have been built in 1900. [A] two-story building with a front porch. … Stone from the grade to the bottom of the windows,” he said. “The interior will have all exposed beams and ductwork. It will have a unique atmosphere inside of it. It’s not going to be a cold-looking commercial structure. We’re looking to have it be something that’s warm and inviting.”

A tenant for the subleased portion of the building hasn’t been selected, but Dean said inquiries have included a law firm, a gift shop and a food service.

“We’re really not sure at this point until we get an opportunity to market it,” he said.