LOS ANGELES : Council Urges Using Law to Slow Liquor Stores’ Spread
The Los Angeles City Council directed planning officials Wednesday to make full use of new state laws that help municipalities slow the spread of inner-city liquor stores.
Many elected officials, community leaders and residents blame the concentration of liquor stores in South-Central Los Angeles for contributing to crime, blight and alcoholism in their neighborhoods.
The council asked the city Planning Department to refine crime reports so that they can be used to lobby state officials against approving some applications for liquor licenses.
Under Assembly Bill 2897, the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Department can deny an application if the business is in an area with a crime rate that is 20% higher than in other city areas.
Planners also will prepare an application for AB 987 grants provided to train special police teams to enforce state alcohol laws.
The Sheriff’s Department and police departments of other local cities received AB 987 funds for this year but Los Angeles did not apply for any money.
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