LA HABRA : Businesses That Sell Alcohol Need Permit

Prompted by a rumor that a store offering alcohol might open across the street from La Habra High School, the City Council has adopted a temporary ordinance requiring all businesses that sell alcohol to obtain city permits.

Under the ordinance, which took effect immediately upon passage July 28, anyone seeking to open a new establishment that would sell beer, wine or liquor must obtain a city permit and pay a $500 fee. The temporary ordinance expires 45 days from passage.

The move came after the city received a petition last month signed by 250 high school employees and officials of the local Boys & Girls Club opposing the rumored opening of a convenience store or liquor store near the high school, City Clerk Sharie Apodaca said.

“They were concerned about the store’s (proximity) to the school and said it could become a hangout” for teen-agers, Apodaca said.

On July 28, a week after receiving the petition, the council unanimously passed the temporary ordinance. A week later, the council considered passing a permanent ordinance banning alcohol sales anywhere within 500 feet of a school but postponed action after legal questions arose.

Bars and restaurants that sell alcohol consumed on the premises already must obtain city permits. City officials now are working to craft a law aimed at keeping stores that sell alcohol away from schools and churches.

That ordinance will be considered by the Planning Commission and the City Council within the next two months.