REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
April 25, 2019
FROM: Vice President Arias, District 3
Councilmember Esparza, District 7
Councilmember Chavez, District 5
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Initiating a Text Amendment to The Zoning Ordinance of the City of Fresno to Amend Chapter 15, Article 27, Section 15-2706 of The Fresno Municipal Code Relating to the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages for Offsite Consumption, and to Further Amend Section 15-2706 to be Titled "The Responsible Neighborhood Market Ordinance", Pursuant to Fresno Municipal Code Section 15-5803-A(1)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the Council approve a Resolution of Initiation (ROI) to start the process of amending the Municipal Code to make changes concerning liquor sales and Conditional Use Permits (CUPs), with the primary goal of reducing the density of liquor stores and "C" store sales of liquor for off-site consumption and more stringent regulations to address related concerns.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Excessive saturation of liquor stores, as well as sales of single serving containers of alcohol, have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of the community. The City currently has alcohol sales regulations that are insufficient and difficult to enforce, as there are a variety of existing CUP types with various provisions, and revocation of a CUP can be difficult and costly to pursue. Moving to regulations that provide for uniform CUPs that expire, unless renewed, will dramatically improve conditions related to these stores and their effects on the surrounding community. This ROI would begin a process that will take about six months to complete, and will include community and industry input.
BACKGROUND
The Problem
According to the Fresno Bee:
Among California's 10 largest cities, Fresno has the highest concentration of retail stores licensed by the state to sell beer, wine and liquor - more stores per 10,000 residents than Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose or San Francisco, and more tha...
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