For only the third time in its history, PennDOT has purchased a liquor license as part of its acquisition of right-of-way for a road project.
Earlier this year, the department bought the license of the Double S Bar in Juniata, along with the building and fixtures, because owners Samuel and Sandra Hainsey wanted to retire.
The department will demolish the Double S so workers can soften the turning radius between North Fourth Avenue and North Eighth Street, as part of the downtown Juniata streetscape project next year.
In keeping with legal requirements, the department obtained an appraisal, had it reviewed and offered a price that matched, said Ed Bettwy, right-of-way administrator for PennDOT District 9.
The Hainseys accepted immediately, he said. They closed the bar in December.
An attempt to reach the Hainseys for comment was unsuccessful this week.
The state Department of General Services has put the license up for auction through the Asset Auctions website. Bidding ends Aug. 12.
As of this week, the license had drawn one bid for $1,000.
If no one bids high enough, the state will put the license in escrow, Bettwy said.
"If we don't reach something satisfactory to everybody, we can just keep it awhile and try later," he said.
He declined to identify how high is high enough, but said, "We know what we paid for it."
A potential buyer would need to demonstrate financial responsibility and a good reputation and pay off any tax liens to win board approval, said Stacy Kriedeman, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
A check at the Blair County Courthouse showed no outstanding tax liens.
The license must remain in Blair County, Kriedeman said.
PennDOT's prior purchases of liquor licenses occurred in Indiana and Allegheny counties, Kriedeman said.
Had they wanted to move the bar, the Hainseys would have been eligible for a "financial relocation package" that would have cost the taxpayers more, Bettwy said.
The auction website is also selling the Double S fixtures, with the same bidding deadline, Aug. 12. There are 82 items, including a reach-in cooler, a table and chairs, an antique radiator, cash register and beer signs.
Bettwy didn't disclose the amount PennDOT paid for the Double S property, in keeping with the department's policy.
"Most property owners don't want people to know," Bettwy said. "We're sensitive to it, because property owners are sensitive to it."
The Hainseys bought the Double S license in 1982, according to a state Liquor Control Board website. The state issued the license in 1936.
Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 949-7038.
