Sycamore | The Sycamore City Liquor Commission approved two liquor licenses for the incoming Hy-Vee grocery store Tuesday.

A class D license was issued that allows for sale of all alcohol inside the grocery store. A class F liquor license was also approved, which will allow Hy-Vee, 2700 Sycamore Road, to sell only beer on the premises of their gas station that will be in the same area as the grocery store.

The liquor commission questioned store manager Kerry Sherlock regarding the company’s liquor sales history. Sherlock said to the best of his knowledge the company had never had any disciplinary actions taken against them for liquor sales or licensing.

“The majority of our stores carry liquor,” Sherlock said. “Out of the 233 stores in eight states, 210 have liquor (sales).”

For the approval of the class F liquor license, no more than 25 percent of the gas station-store could be dedicated to the display of alcohol. Additionally, the area of the store must be at least 1,000 square feet.

Ken Mundy, Sycamore mayor and liquor commissioner, said he was pleased to issue the two licenses. Mundy said the new store will bring in more business for the city as well as employment opportunities for around 500 people.

The Hy-Vee grocery store has taken on K-Mart’s previous location. Mundy said since their doors have shut the city has been losing money.

“Revenue has been under-producing in sales tax for six years,” Mundy said.

Mundy also said more competition in town will be good for everyone from local businesses to customers and families.

“It’s a wonderful thing to have happen to our whole county,” Mundy said.

The store is projected to open in June.