GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. -  The Great Barrington Select Board voted against granting a beer and wine license to the Price Chopper on Stockbridge Road. 

Price Chopper executive Mona Golub responded to Spectrum News 1 in an email saying, "We are disappointed. It poses a competitive disadvantage for us, as other food markets in town have a license and are able to offer a one-stop shopping experience we wish to provide."

Ed Domaney, who owns a liquor store in the town, said there’s already enough competition for alcohol sales and he supports the decision.

“I think the town realized that Price Chopper/Tops is a 300-store chain,” Domaney said.

Domaney attended this week's Select Board meeting to advocate for his family's store and others in town where members voted 2-1 against granting the license with one abstention; one member who works at a liquor store recused himself.

“There were our selectmen that felt that Price Chopper deserved it," Domaney said, "And I appreciate the fact that they spoke their mind, and everybody had a vote in it.”

“I think, just my opinion is that there are two shopping centers in town, there's a number of grocery stores, all with liquor licenses," said Select Board Chair Stephen Bannon. "They're the only ones that don't have one, and I just think a level playing field is fine.”

Bannon was the lone yes vote on the board. He said Price Chopper presented their business model saying a liquor license is needed to compete with nearby supermarkets like Big Y, who can sell alcohol. Now there’s a concern the location may be abandoned.

“If that happens, that would be really detrimental for Great Barrington," Bannon said. "Over 100 jobs. They're a key part of this side of town.”

“I said if they want to leave, fine, let them leave," Domaney said. "There would be markets in line to come to our town.”

Domaney believes there is a way Price Chopper can survive without a liquor license.

“They do a lot of good things for the community, too," Domaney said. "There's no doubt about Price Chopper, but they can still have an amazing store. That Market 32 can be amazing. They don't need it.”

In the emailed response, Price Chopper said, "We have no plans to close this store and remain committed to being a great employer and a reliable provider of quality goods and services to the community. However, lacking the sales opportunity that a liquor license would bring to bear will delay our capital expenditure to modernize and convert the store to our Market 32 brand."

As it stands, Great Barrington’s last liquor license is still available to be applied for.