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Council approves liquor license for South Weed business after debate over nearby bus stop
Summary
The Weed City Council voted to approve the transfer of a Type 21 off‑sale liquor license for 175 East Vista Drive despite concerns from some council members about proximity to an intercity bus stop and past problems linked to overnight bus passengers. The applicant said the business will include local craft beverages and modest retail goods.
The Weed City Council voted to approve a transfer of an off‑sale Type 21 liquor license for 175 East Vista Drive, clearing the way for a mixed souvenir/restaurant business the applicant described as a small liquor and craft‑beverage outlet that would also sell local artisanal goods.
Valerie, the applicant and owner of the proposed Weed Liquor Depot LLC, told council she plans a limited retail operation and emphasized the business would bring jobs, occupy a vacant storefront, and add sales tax revenue. “It would add to their convenience of being able to do their grocery shopping,” Valerie said, arguing the location sits in the industrial South Weed business district and is not adjacent to schools or churches.
Council members questioned whether Frontier/other intercity buses currently stop at 175 East Vista and flagged public‑safety risks associated with selling full‑strength spirits near a stop used by overnight passengers. Chief Mayberry reported ABC staff had noted incorrect census listings on their website and advised the council that a public‑necessity determination was within the council’s discretion. Several council members recounted past problems when Greyhound and other intercity services stopped in South Weed and said those episodes had driven calls for police and business complaints in prior years.
Supporters argued the community lacks convenient retail options and that other nearby sellers primarily offer beer and wine or only small single‑serve spirits. Valerie told the council she would refuse service to bus passengers who attempted to come into the store intoxicated and volunteered to ask the carrier not to stop at the storefront if needed.
After prolonged discussion, the council voted on the transfer. The roll call vote recorded Council Member Mazone (yes), Council Member Palini (yes), Council Member Verison (yes), Council Member Wetstein (yes), and Mayor Parham abstained. The motion carried and staff will transmit the council’s public‑necessity finding to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
The council did not adopt additional operational conditions on the license in the hearing beyond the standard municipal nuisance/enforcement authorities; once ABC issues or transfers the license, ABC retains primary regulatory authority over liquor licenses, while the city retains authority to enforce local nuisance and public‑safety ordinances.
The council noted staff would monitor the location and that local police would address any on‑site disorder through municipal code enforcement or nuisance proceedings as needed.
