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Planning commission declines 7-Eleven’s upgrade request for 9001 Bolsa Avenue after divided vote
Summary
The commission voted down a request to upgrade a 7-Eleven convenience store’s ABC license to allow distilled spirits, concluding the census-tract saturation and police data did not demonstrate a sufficient public convenience or necessity.
The Westminster Planning Commission on April 2 voted to deny a request by a 7‑Eleven franchisee to upgrade an existing off‑sale beer-and-wine license (ABC Type 20) to a Type 21 general off‑sale license at 9001 Bolsa Avenue, after a contested public hearing and split commissioner votes.
Staff reported that the subject property lies in Census Tract 889.05, which ABC lists as allowed three off‑sale licenses; the tract currently shows three off‑sale licenses including the subject location, prompting a required public convenience or necessity (PCN) determination. Planning staff and the Westminster Police Department reviewed calls for service and recommended conditions; staff’s assessment concluded the upgrade would provide a “one‑stop shopping” convenience to customers and recommended approval subject to conditions.
Bruce Evans, representing 7‑Eleven and the franchisee, told the commission the store is a “full service convenience store” carrying groceries and ready‑to‑eat items and that the proposed lockable cabinet for distilled spirits behind the counter would be a small addition. He said the franchisee maintains a close relationship with Westminster police and that the store operates with corporate policies and employee training.
Public speakers raised safety and saturation concerns. Resident Terry Raines noted prior thefts from the 7‑Eleven and questioned police reporting details; resident Catherine Litwin said the nearby homeless encampment and persistent late‑night activity increased the risks of expanded off‑sale alcohol availability.
Commissioners split on the PCN finding. After discussion, Commissioner Hamade moved to approve the CUP and the PCN determination; the motion failed on a 3–1 recorded vote. The staff motion to approve did not carry; the commission’s action recorded the denial of the proposed Type 21 upgrade. The denial is effective 15 days after the decision date and is subject to appeal to the city council within that period.
