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Planning commission approves El Ranchito Taco Shop conditional use permit to upgrade alcohol license
Summary
The commission approved a CUP allowing El Ranchito Taco Shop to expand into two adjacent suites and upgrade from an ABC type 41 (beer/wine) to a type 47 (general on-sale) license with conditions tying the CUP to both suites and prohibiting alcohol-to-go.
The Temecula Planning Commission on Oct. 1 approved Planning Application PA25-0162, a conditional use permit that allows El Ranchito Taco Shop (40335 Winchester Road, Units F and G) to expand into an adjacent suite and upgrade its alcohol authorization from an ABC type 41 (on-sale beer and wine) to an ABC type 47 (on-sale general eating place) to allow distilled spirits for consumption with meals.
Janine, a planning staff member, said the proposal covers two combined units and that no exterior changes are proposed; the interior work includes removal of partition walls, two new restrooms and addition of a bar area. The restaurant is approximately 2,400 square feet, and staff added conditions requiring a full menu to be available whenever alcohol is served and that alcohol service end at least 30 minutes before closing. Staff also noted the application is categorically exempt under CEQA (Class 1, existing facilities).
Applicant Veronica Landeros told the commission her intent is to offer cocktails such as margaritas to accompany meals; she said the business has operated in the area for about two decades and has held a beer-and-wine license for roughly a decade. Veronica said employees who serve alcohol would be trained and have the required certificates and that the restaurant does not plan to sell alcoholic drinks to go.
Commissioners asked about nearby schools and childcare. Staff read the applicable municipal code (Temecula Municipal Code 17.09.060.B.10), which exempts bona fide eating establishments from the 600-foot separation requirement when both the restaurant and the school or childcare facility are within a commercial zone. Staff identified a private preschool adjacent to the restaurant and Chaparral High School nearby; the commission discussed carding, training and camera coverage raised by the applicant.
During deliberation the commission added two clarifying conditions requested by commissioners and staff: the CUP is valid only for a restaurant that operates in both Units F and G (if the business ceases to operate in Unit F, the CUP is invalid) and no alcohol may be served with to-go orders. Commissioner Fernando Solis moved to approve and Mark Watson seconded. The motion passed by voice vote; commissioners recorded no nays.
The planning commission approved the CUP with the added conditions; the applicant agreed on the record to the two conditions and to enforce staff- and ABC-required responsible beverage service measures.
