Planning Commission approves mini mart's beer and wine sales license

A proposed mini mart in Carson, California, is set to sell only beer and wine, following a heated discussion during the Planning Commission meeting on March 11, 2025. The meeting clarified the store's offerings, which will not include hard alcohol, a point that caused some confusion among commissioners.

The applicant confirmed that the mini mart will operate similarly to a convenience store, offering snacks and beverages, but with a specific focus on beer and wine sales. "No hard alcohol is sold," the applicant emphasized, which was a critical point of clarification for the commission.

Commissioners expressed concerns about the ambiguity surrounding the term "alcohol," prompting a detailed discussion about the types of beverages that would be permitted. One commissioner noted, "It took all of this to get to beer and wine," highlighting the need for clear communication regarding the store's alcohol license.

The Planning Manager explained that the type of license being applied for from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) would restrict sales to beer and wine only. "The ABC license they are requesting wouldn't permit them to sell anything but beer and wine," he stated, reinforcing the limitations already in place.

While some commissioners suggested adding a condition to the approval to explicitly state that only beer and wine could be sold, the Planning Manager advised against it, citing that the ABC license inherently restricts the sale of hard alcohol. Instead, it was proposed to include this information in the project description rather than as a condition of approval.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners agreed on the importance of clarity in the project description, ensuring that the community understands the nature of the mini mart's offerings. The approval of the project is anticipated to move forward, with the understanding that the store will adhere strictly to the limitations set by the ABC license.