A | Consideration and Action on Liquor License Application: Michael Jackson Gohn "Family Dollar Store #28851," 5060 N. US Highway 89, Series 10 (beer and wine store), New License. | ||||||
Mayor Evans opened the public hearing on Items 9A and 9B. Sergeant Ryan Turley introduced the items. Councilmember Odegaard asked if the liquor that will be sold will all be packaged in some sort of manner or if it would be sold as single servings. Sergeant Turley replied that the store would sell packaged wine and beer. Councilmember Whelan stated that the staff summary indicates that the original packages would be sold to be consumed off premise. It also states that no 40-ounce beers would be sold, and that there would be a focus on selling cases of beer and wine, but there would also be a small amount of single serve beer and wine for sale. She stated that she believes that it is odd to mix a Family Dollar store in with single serve beer and wine. She added that Michael Gohn has 11 other licenses and that he is also the general manager for the Dollar General Store. She stated that she would not be recommending approval of the application. Mayor Evans stated that she is not interested in extending approval for a liquor store in the area since it is close to Bushmaster Park and there is already an issue with single serve alcohol being consumed in the area along with the litter generated from single serve alcohol containers. She added that she does not believe the area needs more liquor sales. Councilmember Salas stated that she is not enthused about moving the application forward with approval based on location. Mayor Evans stated that she had been corrected and that the location of the Family Dollar store is out by the mall. She stated that she referenced the wrong park, and the location is near the Mobile Haven Park where the same issues occur. Councilmember Aslan stated that he appreciated the concerns raised and said that he is uncomfortable approving the liquor license because of the proximity to the park. He added that the larger concerns are the appropriateness of the location. Vice Mayor Shimoni asked what the process is if the Council decided not to approve the request. City Attorney Sterling Solomon replied that the state ultimately approves or denies applications for liquor licenses and that Council’s role is to provide a recommendation based on other factors and information from staff. Most likely, a hearing would be held by the Arizona Liquor Board. Mayor Evans added that it was her understanding that a prior Council had a policy that if an application were rejected then the City would have someone at the hearing in Phoenix to explain why it was not approved. Mr. Solomon stated that someone from his office did previously go to the hearing in Phoenix and explained the recommendation of the Council. There being no public comment Mayor Evans closed the public hearing on items 9A and 9B. |
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Moved by Councilmember Jamie Whelan, seconded by Vice Mayor Adam Shimoni to forward the application to the State with a recommendation of denial based on information received at the public hearing. | |||||||
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously | |||||||