It’s a message that made a resounding impact.

A group calling itself the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhood Associations rallied Wednesday to prevent alcohol sales at a convenience store near Reagan High School. Speedy Stop Foods has since withdrawn its request for a waiver permitting the sale of beer and wine at the Tiger Mart store at Cameron Road and Highway 290.

Opponents said selling alcohol there undermines efforts to keep the community safe.

"Yeah, it does make a difference. This is on the way to school, this is where kids come to get a doughnut as they walk in the school door,” Allen Weeks with the St. John’s Neighborhood Association said. “So they're going to get a doughnut, and guys are getting 12 packs. Again, the stats show crime goes up, sales to minors go up."

The coalition includes several neighborhood associations and churches.