TITLE
Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record and adopt resolution directing the further implementation of the Alcohol Nuisance Abatement Ordinance (ANAO). (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In January 2014, staff began limited implementation of the Alcohol Nuisance Abatement Ordinance (ANAO), adopted by the City Council on August 6, 2013 (Exhibit A - Alcohol Nuisance Abatement Ordinance and Resolution). The initial implementation of the ANAO was restricted by Resolution adopted by the City Council to the Eighth and Ninth Council Districts north of Del Amo Boulevard. The initial implementation included 26 existing legal non-conforming liquor stores operating without a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Staff worked directly with the business and property owners to implement the requirements of the ANAO and help those stores achieve compliance. Requirements of the ANAO include, but are not limited to, the following:
· The store must provide exterior lighting and security measures to the satisfaction of the Chief of Police.
· No more than 10 percent of store windows and transparent surfaces may be covered or obstructed by advertising, signage, product, shelving, or other display items.
· All existing exterior pay telephones shall be removed.
· The building address shall be displayed on all sides of the building facing a public right-of-way, including an alley.
· The business is operated and maintained in a neat, quiet, and orderly condition, and operated in a manner so as not to be detrimental to surrounding properties and occupants.
· The business does not result in any adverse effects, jeopardize, or endanger the health, peace, or safety of persons residing, visiting, or working in the surrounding area.
Each of the 26 stores in the initial implementation phase have met the requirements of the ANAO regulations, resulting in tangible improvements throughout North Long Beach. To assist in the implementation of the ANAO, business and property owners were offered the opportunity to participate in the City's Commercial Improvement Rebate Program. Five business or property owners were approved for the program, and received up to $2,000 each for new code-compliant windows, exterior paint or signage.
The aesthetic and operational improvements required by the ANAO have helped provide business and property owners, patrons, and neighborhood residents with a cleaner, safer and more aesthetically friendly environment. The requirement to remove signs, advertisements, products, and shelving from windows has not only increased the safety of the area by adding more "eyes on the street," but has also created a more pleasant shopping experience for residents and a better working environment for employees. Enhanced lighting and surveillance systems have improved the safety and security in and around the stores. The removal of exterior pay phones has reduced loitering and other unlawful activity. Most importantly, the ANAO has elevated the community's standards and expectations for the operations, aesthetics and safety of liquor stores, and raised the awareness of the impact that these uses may have in Long Beach neighborhoods.
Given the effectiveness of the ANAO in its initial implementation and the number of liquor stores (establishments with an Alcohol Beverage Control Type 21 license that do not currently have a CUP) in other areas of the City (Exhibit B - ABC Type 21 Locations), staff is requesting that the City Council expand the application of the ANAO citywide. New areas of the City will be subject to the ANAO based on the availability of staff resources and on the documented existence of Type 21 licenses without a CUP.
This matter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Michael J. Mais on April 15, 2015 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on April 22, 2015.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on May 12, 2015, to allow the implementation of the ANAO in other areas of the City.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal or local job impact as a result of the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
AMY J. BODEK, AICP
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES