Officials to Discuss Loosening Liquor Law

In response to complaints from restaurant owners who say that the city’s tough liquor license ordinance is harming their businesses, city officials will discuss possible changes to the law at a Planning Commission meeting Tuesday in the City Council chamber.

While many residents continue to support the restrictions, a drive to make the law more friendly to family-style restaurants has gained steam recently as some city leaders have indicated they are willing to consider changes.

The City Council passed the ordinance in April 1993 in an attempt to reduce crime by stemming the growth of bars and liquor stores.

The law, one of the strictest in the state, does two things. It limits off-site licenses to one per 1,000 residents. With 33 licenses and fewer than 24,000 residents, the city will not be able to grant new licenses unless 10 businesses give up their permits or until the local population increases by 9,000.

It is the second restriction, however, that rankles the local business community. By prohibiting alcohol sales by businesses that are within 600 feet of schools, churches, parks or other licensed establishments, the law has effectively ended the granting of new licenses in the city.

“We’re trying to modify the ordinance so that legitimate family restaurants can get a license under certain criteria,” said David Urzoa, whose family has operated El Abuelo restaurant for seven years without a liquor license.

Urzoa said he continues to lose business, particularly to larger groups, because he can’t serve beer or wine.

“People like to have a drink or two, not to get drunk, but to enjoy their meal,” he said.

Others, however, insist that the law remain as it is.

Juana Mojica, project director with the San Fernando Valley Partnership, said police statistics show a significant reduction in alcohol-related crime since the law was passed.

“We cannot open the doors to just one or two new restaurants,” Mojica said. “If we do this, it will open up a can of worms.”