A request to have a liquor license transferred to the E Z Market (McMarkets Inc.) in West Penn Township has been rebuffed.

Supervisors on a 2-0 vote Tuesday, with Supervisor Tim Houser absent, adopted a resolution to deny the transfer of the liquor license from the former Rancho Grande Mexican Restaurant and Cantina in Branch Township.

The board’s decision came after a nearly 25-minute executive session. Before making its decision, the board heard from the applicant and his attorney, as well as several residents who spoke in opposition of the transfer.

Read by Supervisor Ted Bogosh, the resolution states that the board finds that the approval of the application of the applicant would adversely affect the welfare, health, peace and morale of the township and its residents.

Further, it states that the board’s “main concern is the proximity of the day care center to the establishment.”

Resident Rick McHugh, who has owned McHugh’s Brews at 2067 West Penn Pike for the past seven years, said he makes his livelihood through his business.

McHugh noted there is also a day care center nearby.

Resident Gary Steigerwalt said his main concern is all the litter that is found on the highways.

Resident Robert Dunn said he agreed with Steigerwalt as far as the litter is concerned, but said he was not opposed to the transfer.

Attorney Matthew Andersen noted that the E Z Market has expanded, and wants to sell six-packs of beer, 12-packs of beer, singles, and bottles of wine to go.

Kevin Mcklveen, vice president of McMarkets, explained, “It’s all about staying competitive in the local market. That’s the way the industry’s moving.”

After the board’s vote, several residents commended supervisors on their decision.

Last month, Houser questioned if there were any parameters on how many liquor licenses can be in a given area, and expressed concerns with trash, such as beer cans and soda bottles, being scattered along the roadway.