INGLEWOOD : Planning Panel Urges Liquor Sales Permits

City officials should require special permits for alcohol sales to cut down the number of convenience stores and liquor stores that attract loitering, littering and gang activity, the planning commission recommended.

Under the proposed ordinance, businesses that sell beer, wine and liquor--with the exception of restaurants and large grocery stores--will be required to apply for a city permit. Current regulations only require businesses that sell hard liquor to have the permits, planning department manager Lori Parcells said.

Businesses that sell beer and wine are required to have a license from California’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control but not from the city, Parcells said.

“These stores are just another place for derelicts and gang members to hang around,” Planning Commissioner S.L. Tyree said.

The goal of the change is to give the city more control, Planning Commissioner Kevin S. Golden said.

“We’re not trying to stamp out alcohol, but the city should be able to impose (guidelines),” he said.

The ordinance would give city officials more latitude in revoking alcohol permits, and requires the businesses to keep their premises well-lit and free of litter. It would also hold the manager responsible for patrons’ behavior, Parcells said.

If approved by the City Council, the ordinance will not apply to the 182 retail businesses that already have liquor licenses, Parcells said.

The council is expected to vote on the ordinance Tuesday..