Board amends planning code restricting liquor stores; adds single-serving beer ban as split question

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors considered an ordinance amending sections of the planning code that govern where liquor stores may be established and clarified related exceptions for grocery and similar stores.

During debate, Supervisor Alioto Pier offered an amendment to insert a new paragraph prohibiting the sale of "single serving beer containers of 24 ounces or less." She asked that the question be split so the board could carry that specific provision until the next week while voting on the remainder of the legislation.

Supervisor Mercarimi seconded the amendment and several supervisors voiced support for tightening the restriction. The board split the question and carried the single-serving container provision to the next week for further consideration; the remainder of the ordinance was passed on first reading.

Why it matters: The change realigns planning-code prohibitions and clarifies where liquor establishments may locate; the proposed single-serving container ban was intended to address concerns raised by grocery trade representatives about sale of single-serve alcohol in certain neighborhoods.

Next steps: The single-serving beer container provision will be revisited at the board—s next weekly session; the remainder of the ordinance proceeds in the ordinance process.

Votes and motions recorded at the meeting reflected acceptance of the amendment and the split-question motion. The ordinance (as amended except for the split item) passed on first reading.