VAN NUYS : City Official Blocks Liquor Sales at Store

A Los Angeles city zoning officer on Friday rejected a request by Thrifty Drug Stores to add hard liquor to the beer and wine sold by its store at Sepulveda Boulevard and Sherman Way after homeowner group leaders and city officials complained that it would lead to an increase in crime and drunkenness in the area.

Associate Zoning Administrator James J. Crisp suggested that before appealing his decision, officials of the drugstore chain should negotiate with those who opposed the permit, including the Los Angeles Police Department, City Councilman Joel Wachs, the Van Nuys Homeowners Assn. and Townkeepers Action Group.

Opponents indicated they might withdraw their opposition if the store agrees to conditions such as hiring a security guard, removing graffiti on a regular basis and selling liquor only in bottles larger than one-half pint.

“Heroin and cocaine addicts have to come down, and the way they come down is with hard liquor, which they buy in small quantities,” said Mary Lou Holte, founder of Townkeepers, a community improvement association.