NEWPORT BEACH
The City Council this week voted 4 to 3 to allow service stations to convert to convenience stores. Two weeks ago, council members voted 4 to 2 to allow gas stations to convert garages into minimarkets that sell coffee, juice and snacks. On Monday night, they approved the policy’s second reading. Service station owners said the changes are necessary because the gas station industry has changed. People don’t go to a service station for repairs anymore, and stations desperately need the income from convenience stores, station owners said. Council members Gary Adams, Tom Thomson and Norma Glover voted against the measure Monday, saying they are concerned young people will find ways to illegally buy alcohol from the stores.
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