Committee to prepare resolution opposing transfer of liquor license for Tony's Nature Food on Grant Avenue

The Public Safety & Neighborhood Services Committee on May 10 moved to prepare a resolution finding that a proposed transfer of a Type 21 off‑sale general liquor license to Tony’s Nature Food at 1336 Grant Avenue would not serve the public convenience or necessity. Chair Catherine Stephanie said district concerns — including letters of opposition and an acting central station captain’s stated opposition — weigh against approval.

Officer Salmasen of the SFPD Alcohol Beverage Control liaison unit told the committee the ALU recommends approval but noted the business is located in a high‑crime, high‑saturation census tract. Attorney Jamil Shehadi, representing the applicant, said the store has operated for four years, previously sold beer and wine, submitted neighborhood support letters, uses security cameras and planned age‑verification hardware, and has no ABC or city violations on record.

A remote caller, Santino DeRose, said the new owner rapidly expanded alcohol displays and refrigerators, reduced grocery offerings and that the block already contains multiple liquor stores within walking distance; he said he submitted more than 30 letters opposing the transfer. Supervisor Dorsey said the community concerns left him disinclined to support the application at this time.

Chair Stephanie moved that the clerk prepare a resolution making the finding that the transfer would not serve the public convenience or necessity and forward that resolution to the full Board of Supervisors. The committee agreed and took the action without objection; the clerk confirmed the item would be placed on the Board agenda for May 23.