7-Eleven permit sparks liquor-license review

After residents protested plans for a new Mesa Verde-area 7-Eleven at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, city officials plan to review policies for permitting businesses that sell and serve alcohol.

The convenience store slated for a location near Harbor Boulevard and Adams Avenue recently received a conditional use permit.

FOR THE RECORD:
An earlier version of this story said a 7-Eleven near Harbor Boulevard and Adams Avenue was recently approved for 24-hour operations. It was actually approved for 6 a.m. to midnight hours.

Council members and residents said they thought Costa Mesa, and particularly the Westside, has too many business that sell or serve alcohol.

While the city cannot approve or deny liquor licenses, it can apply restrictions on operating hours and other conditions for new or remodeled businesses.

“There’s a saturation on the Westside,” said Councilman Steve Mensinger, who asked city CEO Tom Hatch to study the issue and to arrange a meeting with residents who live near the shop at 1548 Adams Ave.

Taking the place of Party Time Liquor, the 7-Eleven committed to only sell beer and wine, said Development Services Director Peter Naghavi.

Still, it is asking the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to transfer the full liquor license.

Residents complained that the convenience store was approved for 6 a.m. to midnight operations, while Party Time opened at 8 a.m. and closed at midnight. They said that delivery trucks wake them early in the morning.

“This goes against the peace and tranquillity of the neighborhood,” said resident James Hurzeler.

mike.reicher@latimes.com

Twitter: @mreicher