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Council denies liquor-store license after community testimony near Arleta-Panorama City site
Summary
Following public comment from nearby residents and clergy, the City Council voted to deny an application for a liquor license at a site in the Arleta/Panorama City area. Neighbors said the location would worsen crime and public-safety issues near schools and churches.
The Los Angeles City Council denied an application for a liquor license after multiple residents, business owners and clergy spoke against the proposed business at a site in the Arleta/Panorama City area.
Reverend Grady Martin, appearing as a community member and business owner, told the council his wife had been attacked twice in front of an existing liquor store at the site and said the neighborhood already faces “very high crime” and “broken bottles.” Another speaker representing local parents and the church congregation said the area includes a school with about 225 students and several nearby bars, and urged denial “on behalf of the children of the community.” Sergeant Davis of the Devonshire division and other police representatives were present in the chamber.
Councilmember Wax moved to deny the application, saying the site has a “history of problems” and that keeping the location closed would allow the city to recruit a business the neighborhood needs. The clerk’s tally recorded 14 ayes on the motion to deny.
The motion does not identify a replacement use or a specific enforcement action; council members said the intent was to leave the space vacant for a “wholesome business” that would better serve the community. The record shows neighborhood opposition cited proximity to schools and churches and existing concentrations of alcohol retail in the area.
The council’s recorded vote on the denial was 14 ayes.
