At its April 19 meeting, Northampton Borough Council approved a resolution granting the request of Redner’s Warehouse Markets, 101 Held Drive, to sell beer and wine.

The resolution will now go to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for review and action.

Jason Hoff, vice president and general counsel for Redner’s Warehouse Markets Inc., informed council there will be a major upgrade of the market to house the cafe in the area where the produce is currently located.

The council resolution stipulates the PLCB approval to transfer a restaurant liquor license from a Walnut Street, Easton, business to the Northampton market.

Hoff said Redner’s has been in the borough for 20 years and has an unblemished record and a fine relationship with the community.

Lopsonzski questioned Hoff about store security and was told employees assigned to the cafe would be trained. There would be only one way in and out of the space, he said, adding each guest would be asked to show proof of age. The store would also comply with the state law mandating the quantity of beer that may be sold at one time.

“Our reputation is everything,” Hoff told Lopsonzski.

Councilman Ed Pany, in a strong statement backing Redner’s request, said that until Redner’s came to the borough 20 years ago, there was a long absence of a grocery market.

Mentioning the borough would not want to lose Redner’s when its lease comes up, Pany said the borough benefits from the taxes it pays and the people it employs.

“We have 100 employees,” Hoff added.

The resolution passed by a 6-2 vote. Council members Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. and Julia Kutzler voted against the measure.