Council denies liquor‑sales application for corner market in South Central; grocery operations may continue

The Los Angeles City Council on March 1 approved a committee report denying an application for off‑site sale of alcoholic beverages at a corner market owned by Alvin (Al) Edwards in a South Central neighborhood.

The applicant and supporters said the corner property previously held a conditional use permit for liquor sales (from 1984 until nonrenewal in 1998), that the store functions largely as a grocery and laundromat, and that the community wanted the convenience of a local market. Kevin Franklin, who assisted with the application, said the nearest grocery was about 1.5 miles away and that the owner had invested substantially in renovating the building.

Council Member Walters opposed granting the liquor license. Walters cited police statistics for the subject reporting district — 801 crimes in 1998 compared with a citywide average of 276 — and noted the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control records showing the license had been revoked for nonrenewal on July 29, 1998. Walters said more than a year had passed and the applicant was required to comply with applicable timing and eligibility rules; she recommended denial of the application for beer and wine off‑site sales.

Applicants said they would accept conditions and had secured community support in some quarters. Council discussion noted the area’s high crime and other social and institutional factors such as methadone clinics and boarding homes nearby. When the roll was opened on the committee report, the motion carried 12 ayes. The committee report denying the application was approved and the store may continue to operate as a grocery; the council denied the request to sell alcoholic beverages at that location.