TITLE
Recommendation to respectfully request that City Council adopt policies to discourage the approval of any new liquor stores in the City of Long Beach and to carefully scrutinize any request for a finding of "convenience and necessity" related to the establishment of new liquor stores in order to protect the quality of life in surrounding residential areas and to reduce over concentration of alcohol outlets.
DISCUSSION
Exposure to an over concentration of liquor stores and the easy availability of alcohol in the community affects the public health, safety, and quality of life of those living and working in Long Beach.
Due to the number of liquor stores in some areas of the City, and how those stores are managed, citizens may be exposed to public drunkenness, harassment of passers-by, and criminal activities-like loitering, gambling, prostitution, and drug dealing-that contribute to an environment of social disorder and perception of unsafety around many liquor stores.
At the community level, these stores can act as magnets for crime and violence and expose residents to all manner of potential harm if they are not properly regulated. A policy against the issuance of any permit or entitlement for the establishment of new liquor stores in the City will provide direction to planning staff and the Planning Commission when reviewing and considering new liquor store applications.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
COUNCILMEMBER STEVEN NEAL
NINTH DISTRICT
COUNCILMEMBER ROBERT GARCIA
FIRST DISTRICT
VICE MAYOR SUJA LOWENTHAL
COUNCILMEMBER, SECOND DISTRICT
COUNCILMEMBER DEE ANDREWS
SIXTH DISTRICT