Rite Aid Wants To Be Your Local Package Store

While it’s not rare in other communities or states, Rite Aid is not known for its alcohol sales in North Andover. But the “neighborhood drugstore” is trying to change that.

The corporation filed a wine and malt package store application with the town last month and was scheduled to appear before the Board of Selectmen’s Licensing Commission Feb. 24 for a decision on the matter.

“We took no vote that night,” said Tracy Watson, the selectmen’s Licensing Commission chairman. Watson told Patch that Rite Aid was not prepared for the application discussion with the commission.

In its application for the package store license, Rite Aid officials cited the corporation’s “overall mission” to “operate as a neighborhood drugstore providing a superior pharmacy experience and offer everyday products and services that help our valued customers lead healthier, happier lives.”

Rite Aid is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week and would sell wine and malt beverages during those hours, according to its application.

“Rite Aid remains committed to maintaining the atmosphere of a neighborhood drugstore,” said Tina Macier, the licensing supervisor of the store. “By establishing Package Store Wine & Malt sales in our North Andover store, the convenience of a 'one-stop' shopping experience will be further enhanced for our customers.”

Rite Aid is located at 525 Turnpike St., a 15-minute walk from the Merrimack College campus. There are five package stores in North Andover, including The Vineyard, located at 554 Turnpike St.

The North Andover Police Department, Fire Department and Building Department informed the Licensing Commission that there were no objections to the application, provided the store’s manager passes a civil fingerprint background check, which is being completed by the Massachusetts State Police ID unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The next Board of Selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for March 10. No agenda has been set yet.