Lynwood : Compromise Liquor Law

After more than 10 months of debate and revisions, the Lynwood City Council unanimously passed a less stringent version of an ordinance that regulates how liquor is sold and where new liquor stores can open. The council voted Tuesday for a compromise that permits the sale of alcohol and gasoline from the same outlet. State law also permits alcohol and gasoline to be sold together.

But the new ordinance prohibits liquor outlets from opening within 500 feet of one another or within 500 feet of some other establishments, including churches and schools.

A tougher ordinance was passed in August, but the council dropped it after hearing protests from merchants. The clause that drew the most attention prevented customers from buying a single beer or wine cooler instead of a full pack.