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Planning Commission approves two 7‑Eleven permits to add distilled spirits with conditions
Summary
The San Clemente Planning Commission unanimously approved conditional use permits for two 7‑Eleven stores to add distilled‑spirits sales (Type 21 ABC licenses), subject to conditions addressing signage, lighting, surveillance, cleaning, and a ban on miniature spirits under 375 milliliters.
The San Clemente Planning Commission on June 18 voted unanimously to approve conditional use permits allowing two local 7‑Eleven convenience stores to add distilled‑spirits (liquor) to existing beer and wine sales.
The permits cover 502 North El Camino Real (CUP 25‑135) and 1118 South El Camino Real (CUP 25‑137). Staff and the commission determined both projects are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and consistent with applicable zoning and the city general plan; the approvals include site‑specific conditions recommended by staff and accepted by the applicants.
Planning staff said both stores have operated for years with Type 20 (beer and wine) licenses and that the applicants seek to add a Type 21 license for off‑site distilled‑spirits sales. Staff reported that the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control reviewed the requests and did not find an overconcentration requiring a public convenience and necessity finding. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department told staff it had no site‑specific concerns about increased on‑site drinking from adding spirits.
The commission and staff emphasized conditions to reduce the risk of illegal on‑site consumption. Those conditions require clearly legible “no alcohol consumption on site” signage, adequate lighting, functioning surveillance cameras with recordings available to the city on request, daily litter/maintenance checks, cleaning to remove signs of alcohol consumption after complaints, and a requirement that security or modified hours could be imposed if violations occur. Staff also included a condition prohibiting sales of miniature distilled‑spirit bottles smaller than 375 milliliters.
Applicants and franchisees told the commission the spirit displays will be small and secured in locked cabinets on the sales floor, not a full liquor‑store assortment. Bruce Evans, representing 7‑Eleven, said applicants consulted with county law enforcement and the ABC office before filing and agreed to the additional conditions.
Commissioners asked staff and applicants about prior code complaints at the sites; staff said earlier complaints were unrelated to on‑site alcohol consumption (examples cited included trash, graffiti and a property‑maintenance/water leak). Commissioners also discussed enforcement: code compliance will handle ongoing signage and maintenance requirements, and staff may bring a permit back to commission review if complaints trigger compliance actions.
Both motions to approve the permits incorporated staff recommendations and three additional conditions discussed at the hearing; the motions passed unanimously. Each approval is subject to the standard 10‑day appeal period.
