Council to Consider Altering Liquor Rules

To better control the placement of stores selling liquor, the Santa Ana City Council will consider modifying its permit-application process Monday.

Under the proposed changes, markets of all sizes would have to apply for a conditional-use permit if they want to sell alcohol. Only “small” markets, those 20,000 square feet or less, now have to apply for such permits, according to a staff report.

But some markets have counted their square footage “creatively” to avoid having to seek a conditional-use permit, the city report said.

The council also will refine the rules regarding placement of small markets selling liquor. Such markets must be 1,000 feet from one another, and 1,000 feet from schools, churches and parks.

The council meets in council chambers at 22 Civic Center Plaza at 6 p.m.

Information: (714) 647-6520.