BETHEL, Alaska โ A pizza shop in Bethel has sold the first beer in the city in 40 years, but business was slow.
Fili's Pizza is the only restaurant in town to hold a liquor license. AC Quickstop and Bethel Native Corp.'s Bethel Spirits also hold licenses for package liquor stores, but those outlets have not yet opened.
The Alcohol Beverage Control Board in November approved liquor licenses for the two package stores after a majority of Bethel voters chose to support alcohol sales in an advisory vote.
Fili's received its alcohol license from the Alaska Alcoholic Beverage Control Board on Wednesday and Mefail Slaiu, owner of Fili's, said he placed the restaurant's first beet and wine order that evening. The goods arrived in time for Friday drinks.
Slaiu said Friday the shop had sold less than 10 alcoholic drinks since opening despite being the only place in town to grab a beer.
Slaiu said he is ready for a big crowd, but the people haven't shown up yet.
Slaiu said the restaurant is selling seven types of beers, all bottles.
