Grocer Removing Wine and Beer Ads

While waiting for the City Council to rule on his request to sell liquor at his convenience store, the owner of Handiest Food Mart said he would remove all beer and wine ads from the front window.

Tom Galicia has applied for a permit to expand into liquor sales. In turn, city officials have asked him to take down his alcohol-related advertising if his request is approved.

Several residents have objected to Galicia’s request because his store is surrounded by homes, a preschool and a school bus stop.

“It’s not a good idea to have hard spirits where kids go to buy their candy and soda,” Moorpark resident Don Bing said.

But Galicia said the police are notified whenever kids gather outside the store, and they soon leave.

“I don’t think selling more than beer and wine will attract the wrong people,” he said. “It’s my customers that are the ones buying it. If I don’t have it, they will go elsewhere and I will lose the business.”

After listening to residents’ complaints last week, City Council members delayed voting on Galicia’s permit until they can review information on convenience stores that have changed from selling just beer and wine to selling liquor.

The council is expected to make a decision at its regular meeting May 17.