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Planning commission continues 7‑Eleven’s distilled‑spirits and late‑night use permit for 30 days
Summary
The commission continued a use-permit decision for a 7‑Eleven in Forest Ridge Plaza to a future meeting to allow staff to gather calls-for-service data and for the applicant to address security and rear‑lot concerns.
The Lake Forest Planning Commission continued, by unanimous vote with Commissioner Grable absent, consideration of a use permit that would allow distilled spirits sales (an ABC type 21 license) and affirm the store’s late‑night (24‑hour) use at the 7‑Eleven at 24366 Maryland Boulevard.
Connor Musler of planning staff summarized the request and noted that the store has sold beer and wine (ABC type 20) at the location since 1993 and operates 24 hours; the new permit is required because the applicant proposes to add distilled spirits, which would be a type 21 license.
Bruce Evans, attorney for the applicant, and franchisee Parvinder Bedi said the request is modest (a locked 4‑by‑2 foot cabinet behind the register) and described existing security features including multiple interior and exterior cameras, a panic button, and a cash drop safe. Evans objected to a standard recommended condition that would require two employees between midnight and 5 a.m.; he said the store has historically operated with a single late‑night clerk and asked either that the condition be omitted or that approval be tied to obtaining the ABC license and allow the applicant to withdraw if the staffing condition made the business unviable.
Nearby resident Alex Tu spoke for neighbors, saying they value quiet and safety and expressed concern about loitering and people using alcohol in the alley behind the store. Commissioners asked staff for calls‑for‑service history and urged site improvements to address rear‑lot visibility and loitering.
After discussion a commissioner made a substitute motion to continue the item for 30 days to allow staff to collect policing/calls‑for‑service data and to return with suggested conditions and possible mitigation measures (additional cameras, lighting, cleanup of accumulated trash, and fencing where feasible). The substitute motion passed unanimously with Commissioner Grable absent.
