Culver City Moves to Retain Control of Gas-Beer Sales

The Culver City Council apparently will barely beat a deadline to maintain control over the sale of alcoholic beverages at places where gasoline is also sold.

In 1986, Culver City joined a number of cities statewide in adopting a law banning the concurrent sale of alcoholic beverages and gasoline at places such as Arco’s AM-PM mini-markets and 7-Eleven convenience stores.

City officials argued that allowing motorists to pick up a six-pack of beer while filling their gas tanks encouraged drinking and driving and contributed to other community problems, such as traffic and litter.

Pressure From Companies

But under pressure from oil and convenience-store company officials, who said they were unfairly and unconstitutionally singled out, the state Legislature last year passed a law invalidating ordinances that banned such sales, effective Jan. 1, 1989.

The state, however, allowed cities to require conditional-use permits for businesses wanting to sell alcoholic beverages and gas. The permit process usually involves a public hearing and review by planning officials.

The Culver City Council on Monday night introduced an amendment to require the conditional-use permit for the concurrent sale of alcoholic beverages and gasoline. It is expected to be adopted on its second reading Nov. 28 and would take effect Dec. 28, three days before the outright ban ends. As part of the amended ordinance, the City Council also adopted tougher parking requirements for such businesses, requiring one space per 211 square feet of gross floor area, or a minimum of eight spaces. Currently, one space is required for every 263 square feet of floor space.

City Planning Director Jay Cunningham said there are only four businesses in the city selling alcoholic beverages and gasoline. Those businesses would not have to comply with the amended ordinance, unless there is a change in ownership or the building is substantially remodeled, Cunningham said.

Other Westside cities are not affected by the state law. Zoning laws in Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills already effectively ban such combined sales or require a conditional-use permit. West Hollywood in 1985 passed an ordinance banning the sale of all non-automotive related products at gasoline stations.