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Speedway Wine Sales Rejected in Fargo

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/21/speedway-wine-sales-rejected-in-fargo.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, January 21st 2026 at 19:08 GMT by inforum
      Locale: UNITED STATES

FARGO, ND - January 22nd, 2026 - A proposal that would have allowed Speedway convenience store at 4501 13th Ave. S. in Fargo to sell wine has been rejected by the City Commission, highlighting a growing tension between business expansion and community concerns surrounding alcohol sales in the city. The commission voted 4-1 against the application on Monday, January 19th, effectively denying Speedway the opportunity to add wine sales to its existing offerings of beer and off-sale liquor.

The Speedway application, submitted in late December, encountered significant resistance from nearby residents, fueling a debate that touched upon neighborhood impact, alcohol license saturation, and the city's broader approach to economic development. While city staff recommended approval, citing Speedway's compliance with all licensing requirements, the commissioners ultimately sided with the concerns voiced by the community.

Neighborhood Concerns Drive Opposition

The core of the opposition revolved around anxieties regarding the potential impact of increased alcohol availability on the surrounding residential area. Residents articulated fears about heightened noise levels, potential safety issues, and a perceived degradation of the neighborhood's quality of life. Commissioner Denise Kolstad succinctly captured this sentiment, stating, "I think there's a lot of concern in the neighborhood about the increase of alcohol in that area."

Commissioner John Strand further emphasized the growing concern about the sheer number of alcohol licenses already operating within Fargo. He questioned whether the city should continue to expand alcohol availability, suggesting a potential saturation point has been reached. This highlights a broader strategic consideration for the city: how much alcohol-related business is too much?

A Single Vote Stands Apart

The lone dissenting vote on the commission came from Commissioner Dave Piepkorn. Piepkorn championed the idea of supporting local businesses and allowing them to adapt to evolving consumer demands. He argued that Speedway, which has a proven track record within the community, represents a responsible business and that the addition of wine sales wouldn't negatively impact the neighborhood. "I don't think it's a negative for the neighborhood," he stated, underscoring his belief in the business's positive contributions to the area.

Liquor Licensing Policies Under Scrutiny

The rejection of Speedway's application isn't an isolated incident. It reflects a larger, ongoing conversation about Fargo's liquor licensing policies and the delicate balance between fostering economic growth and safeguarding community well-being. The decision underscores the increasing complexity of these policies as Fargo continues to evolve and grapple with issues of urban development and population growth. The current rules, already in place, are struggling to accommodate the realities of the situation.

The commission has announced that it will revisit and discuss the city's liquor licensing policies at its next meeting. This signals a commitment to a more comprehensive evaluation of the existing framework and a potential reassessment of the criteria used to approve or deny future applications. This review will likely involve examining factors such as population density, existing alcohol license distribution, proximity to schools and residential areas, and community impact assessments. It may also consider implementing stricter guidelines for applicant suitability, moving beyond simple regulatory compliance to encompass a more holistic evaluation of a business's potential effect on the community.

Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for Fargo?

The Speedway case serves as a cautionary tale for other businesses seeking to expand their alcohol offerings in Fargo. It demonstrates that mere compliance with existing regulations isn't always sufficient to secure approval. Engaging with the community, addressing potential concerns proactively, and demonstrating a commitment to responsible alcohol sales will be increasingly crucial for any business hoping to gain the support of both the City Commission and the residents of Fargo. The broader impact could be a slowdown in the expansion of alcohol sales within the city, potentially influencing the trajectory of Fargo's economic development and its identity as a growing urban center.