Fuquay-Varina is about to get a new and much larger ABC store.

Last week the Wake County ABC Board voted to move forward with plans for the facility. Land has been purchased from developers of the Marquee Station apartment complex now under construction.

The project is awaiting approval from the state ABC Board.

Craig Pleasants, general manager of Wake County ABC operations in Wake County, said last week population growth in the Fuquay-Varina area and demand from alcoholic beverage companies for more shelf space have led the Wake Board to plan for a larger store in southern Wake County.

The new store will contain 5400 square feet compared to the 2200 square feet in the present facility. Pleasants pointed out that Fuquay-Varina’s population is now above 20,000 and, counting the town’s extra-territorial jurisdiction, pushes resident numbers above 40,000. As for the shelf space demand, he cited Smirnoff, known for its vodka, and now offering 24 flavors of its beverage, as an example. Several other companies offer from 23 to 26 flavors and are seeking more space on shelves, Pleasants said. Across the state ABC stores handle 1800 products..

Before construction can begin the site for the new store must be posted with a sign stating that an ABC store is planned on the location and giving a telephone number to be called if a citizen has any comment. The sign will remain in place for five days.

Pleasants said his office usually gets few calls. “We are a no-nonsense business,” Pleasants said. “We keep our properties neat and clean and there is no ‘hanging out’ around the stores.”

Pleasants expects to see the new store open within nine to 12 months. At least one fulltime employee position will be added to the present staff of one full-time and two part-time workers.

Fuquay-Varina Town Commissioner Cindy Sheldon, who is also a member of the Wake ABC Board, announced the plan for the new store at last week’s town board meeting.