Baldwin Park panel approves Type 21 alcohol license upgrade for Altadena Drive‑Thru at 4390 Main Avenue

The Baldwin Park Planning Commission voted unanimously March 25 to adopt Resolution PC 2603 and approve CUP 2603, permitting Altadena Drive‑Thru at 4390 Main Avenue to upgrade from a Type 20 to a Type 21 license to sell beer, wine and distilled spirits for offsite consumption.

Planning Division staff told the commission the application, filed March 2, 2026 by Maurice Inyang on behalf of Altadena Drive‑Thru, would not create an overconcentration of off‑sale alcohol uses in Census Tract 4051.02 under California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) standards; staff said two other establishments in the tract currently hold active off‑sale licenses. Staff also noted the applicant will surrender the existing Type 20 license if the Type 21 is granted.

The commission’s review included questions about public‑safety impacts and proximity to sensitive uses. Commissioner Peña asked whether upgrading to a Type 21 typically increases loitering or public intoxication; Planning Division staff said city code enforcement and the police department reported no issues specific to this site. Staff declined to confirm whether any schools, parks or daycares lie within a 500‑foot radius and deferred that detail to the applicant and property records.

Jose Gomez, an employee at the store, spoke in support and said staff consistently check identifications and refuse service when necessary. "We are a small neighborhood business and we take pride in serving people respectfully and keeping a safe and clean environment," Gomez said.

Maurice Inyang, the applicant and owner, said he purchased the business in February 2020. He told the commission that alcohol sales would occur at the sales counter (no drive‑thru alcohol sales) and described security measures, including 16 cameras around the building and added lighting. Inyang said current posted hours are generally Sunday–Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Friday–Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; he indicated summer hours may start earlier, and confirmed the application contemplates off‑sale purchases only at the counter.

After closing the public hearing, a commissioner moved to approve the project; the motion carried on a roll call vote with Chair Escobosa, Vice Chair Miranda De Zip, Commissioner Rodriguez and Commissioner Peña voting yes and Commissioner Arias absent. The commission’s action adopted the conditions recommended by staff and the conditions required by ABC.

The Planning Commission’s approval moves the file forward to the next regulatory steps required for the applicant to obtain an ABC Type 21 license, including surrendering the Type 20 license and completing any state licensing procedures. The commission record references CUP 2603 and Resolution PC 2603 as the approving actions.