Council denies application finding public convenience and necessity lacking for alcohol sales at gas station

The Los Angeles City Council voted to deny an application for a determination of public convenience and necessity that would have allowed the co-location of alcohol sales with a gasoline station. Councilmember Feuer moved to reject the determination and the motion was approved by roll call (recorded as 11 ayes).

Councilmember Feuer argued that selling alcohol at gasoline pumps is incompatible with safe driving and public safety, citing studies referenced in debate that connect drive-off alcohol purchases with increased alcohol-related traffic incidents. Feuer said the city should not “sanction that kind of land use decision.” Other councilmembers raised fairness and policy-consistency concerns, noting the city already has many stations combining gasoline and alcohol and asking whether the council should adopt a uniform citywide policy.

No members of the public registered to speak on the item and the public hearing was closed before the motion to deny was made. The council instructed the clerk to prepare the roll and the recorded vote showed approval by 11 ayes.

Next steps

Council members discussed whether staff or the Planning Department should review broader policy on alcohol sales at gas stations citywide to ensure consistent treatment of similar facilities; one member suggested asking Planning to examine the issue. The denial resolves the specific application before the council and leaves open the option of a citywide policy review.