The La Habra Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve Resolution 25-25, adopting Conditional Use Permit 25-0008 to allow distilled spirits sales at a 7‑Eleven at 381 East Whittier Boulevard.

Contract planner Daryl Taylor told commissioners the proposed suite is about 2,448 square feet in a multi-tenant building at the northwest corner of East Whittier and North Cyprus, with 26 parking spaces including two accessible stalls. The applicant would convert an existing Type 20 beer-and-wine license to a Type 21 license, which would permit the sale of distilled spirits in addition to beer and wine. "Staff is recommending that you approve the conditional use permit before you subject to the conditions that are attached," Taylor said.

Bruce Evans, representing 7‑Eleven and introducing franchisee Tony Randhawa, said the franchisee is a family operator and that the store would not "morph into [a] liquor store." Evans said the spirits display would be small — roughly the size of the lectern used at the hearing — and would carry mainstream distilled products in a limited selection. "They don't wanna be a liquor store," Evans said, adding that the police reviewed the proposal and did not express concerns in the staff report.

A commissioner pressed the applicant on security and staffing. In response, Evans said the store would not add an on-site security guard but already uses multiple surveillance cameras, retains footage for at least 30 days, and follows cash-handling procedures that can be shared with law enforcement. Commissioners also noted Conditions 7.14 and 7.18 of the draft CUP, which require a manager to be on-site during operating hours and a posted sign listing the manager and contact information; the applicant said a designated in-charge employee would satisfy that requirement and complete required alcohol-retailing training.

Longtime La Habra resident Richard Flores spoke in favor of the CUP, saying he has patronized the location for decades and praising the franchisee's operations and staff practices, including consistent ID checks. A commissioner asked about tax revenue; Evans said he had no estimate but described the change as a "modest bump" in sales.

Commissioner Cardenas moved to approve Resolution 25-25 to adopt CUP 25-0008; Commissioner Logan Cannon seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Per the commission, the decision will become final in 10 working days unless appealed to the City Council.

Staff noted that Daryl Taylor's last day as a contract planner was that day and thanked him for his service. The commission adjourned and announced the next meeting date.

The record shows standard conditions of approval will be enforced, including manager-on-site requirements, posting of manager contact information, surveillance coordination with police, and other routine measures listed in the staff report. The commission did not add special conditions beyond those recommended by staff.