“Availability to buy beer and wine is the issue,” he said. “Not character.”

Katherine Holtzleiter, chief probation officer for Madison County Juvenile Court, expressed concern that 19- and 20-year-old clerks will be able to sell the alcoholic beverages, potentially to underage friends. She also said alcohol can lead young people down a dangerous path.

“Alcohol is a gateway drug just like tobacco is,” she said. “ We know that kids who smoke tobacco and drink alcohol use other drugs for the most part.”

Scott Imus, executive director of the Indiana Petroleum Marketers Association, was the lone voice to speak in favor of the request. He said underage sales and other violations are more likely to occur in liquor stores than convenience stores and said not selling alcohol will put Ricker’s at a competitive disadvantage.

“We’ve heard a lot of testimony that Ricker’s is a great company and it will survive no matter what,” Imus said. “There’s no certainty that Mr. Ricker will stay in the community. He will do what he needs to do to stay in business.”

Jim Hackleman of Keg ‘N Bottle presented a map identifying existing outlets for alcoholic beverages in close proximity to the Ricker’s locations in question. When McKean suggested that the presence of those outlets demonstrated a need, the comment inspired an audible groan from the audience.