Montebello planning commission continues alcohol permit hearing for proposed Montebello Public Market amid parking, safety concerns

The Montebello Planning Commission voted 3-0 to continue a public hearing on a conditional use permit (CUP) request to allow the on-site sale of a full line of alcoholic beverages (State ABC Type 47) at Montebello Public Market, a proposed restaurant at 516 West Whittier Boulevard. The commission postponed the decision to its March 18 meeting and directed staff to provide additional information, including further parking analysis.

Staff planner Grace Hayashi presented the CUP application on behalf of property owner Yao Pan. Hayashi said the project would occupy an existing single‑story commercial building of about 6,450 square feet on a 6,500‑square‑foot lot within the Downtown Montebello Specific Plan’s Main Street zone. The proposal calls for a multi‑vendor food hall—Montebello Public Market—composed of seven kitchen units, 94 patron seats (20 on a patio and 74 inside), a 12-by-6 foot stage for live music, and operating hours of 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Hayashi said the sale of alcohol would be ancillary to food service and noted that, per Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control guidelines, staff who sell alcohol must complete authorized responsible beverage service training as a condition of approval.

Hayashi also told commissioners that the census tract allows five…