Shreveport City Council overturns denial, restores alcohol permit for United Liquor and Food Mart

The Shreveport City Council voted unanimously to overturn a police department denial and allow United Liquor and Food Mart at 800 Pier Avenue to renew its alcohol permit after staff said the store had corrected the violations that prompted the denial.

Council members convened a special meeting to hear an appeal of the denial. Corporal Les Bradley presented photos and a site review, saying, “As of May 12, the premises were found to be clean, sanitary, and compliant with applicable standards.” The owner and a representative told the council the cooler had been steam cleaned, shelving and doors repaired, the interior painted, and that monthly pest control service from Orkin was in place.

The meeting record shows council members raised continued concerns about conditions on the property across the street, including high grass, loitering and a desk being used on the sidewalk. Bradley said enforcement action would be directed at that property owner rather than at United Liquor. The store owner told the council, “I’ve been working hard last 3 months. I spent a lot of money there. I cleaned up the whole place.”

After discussion, the chair moved to overturn the decision of the street police department; Councilman Green seconded the motion. The council voted to overturn the denial, with the motion passing 7-0. The council told the store owner it expects the premises to remain clean and indicated staff will continue to monitor compliance.

The council’s action restores the permit application to allow the business to operate with an alcohol permit. The meeting did not specify any additional conditions tied to the permit or a schedule for follow-up inspections.