Central Los Angeles : Group Targets Proliferation of Liquor Outlets, Licenses

There are more then 500 establishments in the Pico-Union/Westlake area that have liquor licenses. If Roberto Bustillo has his way, no more new licenses will be issued.

Bustillo is one of the organizers of the Prevention Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program, a 6-month-old community project to shut down problem liquor stores and to stop the spread of new outlets.

The program, part of the nonprofit Clinica Msr. Oscar A. Romero, will hold a meeting at 6 tonight at 2517 W. 7th St. in an effort to end the sale of alcohol at the Coronado Junior Market at 7th and Coronado streets.

The store is in the process of being sold and Bustillo--charging that there are drug sales around the store and drunks loitering outside--is leading the efforts to have its liquor license revoked. “The residents are fed up,” he said.

The group also claims credit for changes made at two other liquor outlets where drug sales and loitering were occurring. The owners of the stores have agreed to improve lighting and to consider hiring security guards.

“We need businesses in the area. But we don’t need alcohol,” Bustillo said.

Information: (213) 482-6409.