Zoning Officials to Impose Strict New Rules at Market : Van Nuys: Action comes after complaints that the 7-Eleven attracts crime. The business could face loss of its liquor permit.

A 7-Eleven store in Van Nuys cited four times for selling alcohol to customers who were drunk or underage must soon abide by a strict set of conditions or face the possibility of losing its city permit to sell liquor, city zoning officials said Friday.

At a packed hearing in the Van Nuys Woman’s Club, marked by testimony contending that the store at 15317 Vanowen St. is a haven for drug dealers and prostitutes, Associate Zoning Administrator James J. Crisp decided to impose conditions on the store rather than immediately revoke its permit.

Based on the evidence, Crisp said, “I can revoke this right now.” But he added that under city law, “I have to give the applicant the opportunity to abide by the conditions.”

Crisp on Friday did not set specific conditions on the store’s operations, but said that they would be imposed, and would be extensive and strict. He said he would decide on them after reviewing suggested changes in the store’s operation as submitted by members of community groups. He asked that comments to him be submitted in writing.

In past cases involving liquor stores, conditions set by city zoning administrators have ranged from limited late-night hours to a ban on sales of individual cans of beer or small bottles of wine and on the sale of cold alcoholic beverages.

The audience Friday included representatives of Southland Corp., which owns 7-Eleven Food Stores, and several community members who support the store. Opposing alcohol sales from the store were police, city officials and members of community groups.

Those who testified against the store asked that the city zoning permit for the store be revoked immediately.

“The 7-Eleven has been a focal point for criminals, an area for them to congregate,” Los Angeles Police Sgt. Ron Marbrey said. “Crime is basically out of control at and around the location. . . . It’s almost three times the city average.”

Drug dealing occurs right in front of the door, Marbrey said, and on occasion youthful-looking customers have purchased liquor without being asked to show identification. He said prostitutes also congregate in front of the store.

An aide to Councilman Joel Wachs, whose district includes the store, said it has been a continuous source of complaints.

“We’ve been getting calls on this area for the last two years,” said Tom Henry, Wach’s planning and land-use deputy. “I think we should send a message out, not only to this store but to others saying, ‘We’re not going to take it anymore.’ ”

The store has a history of violations with the state Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.

In 1989, the store was fined and placed on suspension after selling alcohol to a 19-year-old police decoy. On Jan. 18, 1990, the store was again fined and placed on probation after it sold alcohol to a 17-year-old. In August of that year, the store sold liquor to a person who was intoxicated, and in September a clerk sold to a 19-year-old resulting in a nearly month-long suspension, said Walter A. Jarman, a supervising investigator with the alcohol beverage control department.

Prudy Schultz, spokeswoman for the San Fernando Valley Alcohol Policy Coalition, said Van Nuys has a high concentration of liquor licenses, which, she said, leads to increased crime. Revoking the license “would greatly reduce crime,” she said.

But representatives from the Southland Corp., speaking in support of the market and franchise owner Abdul Ghulamhussain, said crime problems are not limited to the store.

“7-Eleven is not the sole problem in the area,” company representative Kevin Eliason said. “We realize that we are a part of the community. We will accept our share of the responsibility.”

The corporation wants to work with police, Eliason said.

Supporters said Ghulamhussain has added lights and has started attending meetings with community groups to resolve the problem.

“He’s trying,” said Debra Hornton, who lives near the store. “I don’t think his license should be revoked.”

Hornton’s 23-year-old son, Farrell Hornton, said he tried to purchase liquor but had forgotten his identification at home and was turned away.

Ramona Canton, who heads a Neighborhood Watch group, said the store had been the source of problems but that the situation has improved in recent months.

“I use the store regularly,” she said.

The action by zoning officials marks the second time the city has acted against a 7-Eleven store because of complaints stemming from the sale of alcohol.

Last week, the Los Angeles City Council agreed that the owners of a 7-Eleven franchise in Lake View Terrace must hire a 24-hour security guard and cannot sell liquor after 11 p.m. City officials and residents near the store had complained that it was the site of crime, loitering and noise. After a hearing, the city instituted a long list of conditions.