Further Study Set on Liquor Licensing

After listening to arguments from residents on both sides of the issue at a special meeting of the Planning Commission, city officials said they would continue to seek public input into proposed modifications of the city’s tough liquor license ordinance.

“We will hold another special study session on Oct. 21 for all of the interested parties,” said city planner Jack Cook. “The parties have until Oct. 7 to submit written replies to the [proposed] changes for study by the Planning Commission.”

Considered one of the toughest laws of its kind in the state, the ordinance was passed by the San Fernando City Council in 1993 after a series of alcohol-related crimes.

The ordinance imposes a moratorium on new conditional-use permits for markets and convenience stores until the city’s population, which is now close to 24,000, increases to 33,000.

It also forbids stores and restaurants from selling alcohol if they are within 600 feet of schools, parks, churches or other licensed establishments.

Any changes in the law would affect restaurants only, said Mayor Raul Godinez II, who was one of the original proponents of the ordinance.

“When we passed this we said, ‘Let’s see how this works, and if we need to fine-tune it later, OK,’ ” Godinez said.

“There is a growing feeling that restaurants are being shortchanged and we are willing to look at it,” Godinez said.

Although restaurant owners have been calling for changes in the law, others insist that the ordinance has achieved the desired effect and should remain in place.

Paul Heffner, chairman of the San Fernando Chamber of Commerce, agreed that crime has gone down since the ordinance was approved but said that he favors allowing restaurants that meet certain requirements to sell beer and wine.

“We’re not talking about scrapping the entire law,” Heffner said. “But it’s clear that stakeholders on both sides have legitimate needs that need to be addressed.”

Following the October meeting, the Planning Commission is expected to make recommendations on the proposed changes to the City Council.