San Clemente Planning Commission approves full alcohol sales at Sprouts Farmers Market

The San Clemente Planning Commission convened on May 21, 2025, to discuss a significant request from Sprouts Farmers Market for a conditional use permit to sell full alcohol for off-site consumption at their location on 55 Camino De Estrella. The meeting opened with a public hearing, during which staff member Brandon Hanley presented the details of the proposal.

Sprouts Farmers Market, which currently sells a limited selection of beer and wine, seeks to expand its offerings to include ready-to-drink spirits. The store, situated in a community commercial zone, has been operational since 2014 and underwent a remodel prior to its opening. The proposed changes will not alter the store's layout or increase its parking demand, as the alcohol sales area will occupy only 2% of the sales floor.

The planning team indicated that the existing parking facilities are adequate and that the proposed hours of sale, from 7 AM to 10 PM, align with the store's current operating hours. There have been no complaints regarding the store's alcohol sales since 2021, and local police and the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) had no objections to the permit application.

The commission unanimously approved the conditional use permit, determining that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The approval is subject to a 10-day appeal period before the permit becomes effective.

The meeting concluded with no public comments on the matter, and the commission expressed support for the proposal, highlighting the store's popularity within the community. The next item on the agenda was a public hearing for another project, indicating a busy schedule for the commission.