A grocery store St. John’s, which has been in business for generations, had to make some major changes to deal with the theft. Robert Tucker of Tucker’s Superette on Empire Avenue closed his beer cooler some time ago because he simply couldn’t control the losses he was taking. “We’re just not going to sell beer anymore,” says Tucker, who describes some people who just walk in and walk out with a case “not even paying for their beer and couldn’t care less.” Tucker and his wife, who are nearing retirement, say things have gotten a lot more difficult over the years. He cites crime and a growing drug problem that make it difficult for businesses like his.
