Commission approves paused permit for late-night 7-Eleven with safety conditions

The Planning Commission meeting held on May 8, 2025, in Lake Forest City, Orange County, California, focused on operational procedures and safety measures for a local 7-Eleven store. The meeting began with discussions regarding the store's staffing and security protocols, particularly during late-night hours.

A representative for the 7-Eleven franchise explained that the store operates with two employees who alternate breaks, locking the front door for short periods when staff need to use the restroom after 10 PM. The representative noted that the evening employee typically takes dinner around 8 PM, and the store remains staffed until 10 PM.

Commissioners raised concerns about the store's safety history, specifically regarding any incidents of robbery or violence over the past five years. The franchise owner, who had only recently taken over the store, indicated that he did not have access to historical data on calls for service or incidents but offered to investigate further if the commission required it.

Following the discussions, a motion was proposed to approve a resolution for the store's late-night operations, contingent upon the applicant obtaining a type 21 license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). The motion included conditions for enhancing safety measures, such as improving lighting, adding fencing, and installing additional security cameras at the back of the store, which had been noted as an area of concern due to litter and potential safety hazards.

However, an alternate motion was introduced to postpone the decision for 30 days to gather more information regarding the store's safety record. This substitute motion was passed unanimously, with one commissioner absent, allowing for further review before a final decision is made.

The meeting concluded with no additional comments from staff or commissioners, highlighting the collaborative effort to ensure community safety and operational integrity for local businesses. The commission will reconvene in 30 days to continue discussions on the matter.