BETHEL — Bethel’s final liquor license is still up for grabs and three businesses are competing to secure it.

One business has already submitted its application, while the other two are in the three-week public notice period required for applying, KYUK-AM reported. The notice informs members of the public of the businesses’ intent to apply and allows them to provide feedback.

The three competitors are Kusko Liquor, which submitted its application on Dec. 16, the Alaska Commercial Company and Bethel Liquor Store LLC.

The two businesses in the public notice phase have to submit their applications by the second we

ek of January. If submitted in time, the applications will be reviewed by the Alaska Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, which will award the city’s final liquor license.

The board, which meets in February, will look to see if applicants meet all state and local requirements and if they are in the public’s interest.

The city of Bethel is limited to only three liquor store licenses under a state law that sets a limit of one license for every 3,000 people. The city opened its first liquor store in more than 40 years earlier this year and has since approved a second store.