Tim Willert
GLENDALE CITY HALL -- The City Council could decide tonight to
introduce an ordinance that would give the city more control over the
sale and consumption of alcohol and where new establishments spring up.
But first, the council will hear from the public on the proposed
amendment, which would require new downtown businesses to get
conditional-use permits before they can begin selling alcohol.
A permit would also be required for the sale of packaged liquor except
at supermarkets, and would establish a permit process for drinking
alcohol in the downtown area.
Existing businesses would not be affected by the ordinance unless they
expand.
"There are pros and cons, but we're not going to oppose it," said
Leslyn Ray, president of the Downtown Glendale Merchants Assn. "I do
think that it will deter some people from opening businesses because the
process is not an easy thing."
Businesses like restaurants and bars outside the downtown area are
already required to get the permits, which allow city officials to review
crime rates and parking availability before allowing them to sell
alcohol.
The new ordinance provides more protection for existing businesses by
monitoring standards and possibly limiting an over concentration of
places that sell alcohol, Assistant Planning Director Jim Glaser said
Monday.
"Unless the city requires a conditional-use permit we have no control
over decisions made by the state," Glaser said, referring to the state
Alcohol Beverage Control department. "If you require a CUP, the state
agency will abide by the requirements of a local agency."
IN OTHER ACTION
The Glendale City Council will meet at 6 tonight in the council
chambers of City Hall at 613 E. Broadway. The Glendale Redevelopment
Agency will meet at 3:30 p.m. The meetings will be televised live on
Charter Communications Channel 6.
In other action, the council will consider:
* a motion authorizing an agreement with the Glendale Unified School
District to provide funding for youth outreach services and a middle
school lunchtime intramural sports program.
