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Commission recommends disapproval of proposed 500-foot liquor buffer around schools and public facilities
Summary
Planning staff recommended, and the commission agreed, that a proposed ordinance establishing a 500-foot buffer around schools, libraries and recreation centers to restrict off-sale liquor stores is unnecessary in light of existing ABC controls and alcohol-restricted use districts; the commission voted to recommend disapproval.
The commission considered an ordinance proposed by Supervisor Sandoval (the "Alcohol Reduction and Safer Neighborhoods Act") that would impose a 500-foot buffer around schools, libraries and recreation centers for all off-sale liquor stores. Planning staff told commissioners the city already regulates off-sale liquor stores through zoning controls and that the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control limits new licenses in San Francisco; staff recommended disapproval.
Staff noted the city already uses alcohol-restricted use districts and the practical effect of ABC'level licensing limits, and argued the proposal would create broad new restrictions without clarifying benefits or necessary coordination with ABC and other regulators. Commissioners agreed that the ordinance appeared to be a "solution in search of a problem," expressed concern about the lack of supporting data in the draft and moved to recommend disapproval. The motion carried unanimously.
The Planning Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors with the department's analysis and the commission's rationale for disapproval.
