Walgreen?s May Pursue Liqour Sales

We hear Walgreen Co. has expressed an interest in selling liquor at its stores in Arkansas, but the folks at the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board said they have received no formal application.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is trying to get approval from ABC to sell liquor, beer and wine at its new Sam’s Club planned for Springdale. ABC turned down Wal-Mart’s initial application, and the world’s largest company said it will appeal that decision.

If ABC OKs the Sam’s Club permit, it will be difficult for the agency to reject Walgreens.

Walgreens has been expanding throughout Northwest Arkansas in recent years. The company has built two stores in Fayetteville and one each in Springdale and Rogers. A third Fayetteville Walgreens is under construction at the intersection of Joyce Boulevard and Shiloh Drive.

Michael Polzin, a spokesman for Walgreens, couldn’t be reached for comment.

Walgreen Co., the nation’s largest pharmacy chain, is based in Deerfield, Ill. The company has 4,291 stores in 44 states.