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A county liquor store opened across the hall from a private retailer. Can it avoid competing?

This article was written ÃÛÌÒÊÓÆµapp’s news partner, The Banner Montgomery, and republished with permission. .

Nick Gardner, owner of Choice Wine & Beer, thought the county had some nerve.

Last September, local officials were talking about supporting small businesses as they celebrated the opening of the newest county-owned Oak Barrel & Vine liquor store — across the hall from Gardner’s shop.

A county-owned competitor just steps away that opened in September, he worried, would hurt his business.

He said his fears have come to pass. InÌýthe five months since Oak Barrel & Vine opened, sales have fallen at Choice Wine & Beer. Gardner said he can no longer afford to hire extra staff or give his three employeesÌýraises.

This story continues. .

Jack Hogan, The Banner

The Banner Montgomery is a local, independent news source covering Montgomery County and Maryland.

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