Pico Rivera : Service Station Alcohol Ban

Pico Rivera has joined a growing number of cities statewide in banning the sale of alcoholic beverages at new gasoline stations.

The emergency ordinance was unanimously adopted by the City Council after Shell Oil Co. filed for permits to sell beer and wine at its self-serve station at 9411 Washington Blvd. Because the ordinance takes effect immediately, Shell’s request was denied. Stations now selling alcoholic beverages will not be affected by the new law.

At least 40 cities around the state, including La Mirada, have banned the sale of alcohol at gasoline stations. Pico Rivera council members cited continuing concern with the number of alcohol-related traffic accidents as the main reason for the ordinance. They also said the first priority of the stations should be to sell fuel, not alcohol. To support its action, the council cited a survey by the City of Torrance that found over half of those drivers involved in drunk driving incidents bought alcohol at a gas station mini-market.