Montebello panel approves permit to allow spirits at neighborhood market

The Montebello Planning Commission voted 4-0 on April 21 to approve a conditional use permit (PC 2026-0018-CUP; Resolution 0726) allowing Montebello Wine and Spirits Inc., operating as Montebello Junior Market at 300 South Vail Avenue, to upgrade its California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control license from a type 20 (off-sale beer and wine) to a type 21 (off-sale general, including distilled spirits).

Emily Fernandez, planning staff, told the commission the upgrade would not change hours or the physical footprint of the store: the 11,691-square-foot lot contains a 2,696-square-foot building with 15 parking spaces (the site requires seven). Fernandez said the application is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guideline section 15301 because it involves licensing of an existing private commercial use without expansion.

The applicants, represented by attorney Jennifer Odin, described the business as family-owned and experienced in operating ABC-licensed markets across Southern California. Odin said the family operates roughly 50 locations, has invested substantially in the Montebello location since acquiring it in October 2024, and agreed to the more than 30 conditions attached to the CUP. “We’re a family-owned operated business,” Odin said, and noted the owners are familiar with ABC operations and the proposed safety and operational protocols. Owner representative Issa added the store requires strict employee training to prevent sales to minors or intoxicated patrons.

Multiple neighbors spoke in favor of the upgrade during the public comment period, saying the remodeled market has improved lighting, cleanliness and safety. Resident Julian Johnny Berdeguez said the store felt like “a safe place to shop” and praised employees for calling police when needed. Staff reported that calls for service at the site from April 2025 to April 2026 totaled nine (two of which were tests), with none tied to alcohol-related disturbances. Planning staff also stated they had received 15 written letters in opposition to the license upgrade; the attorney for the applicant said 13 of those were unique submitters and suggested some opposition may reflect nearby competitive interests.

Commissioners said converting the store’s longstanding legal nonconforming status—off-site beer and wine sales have been on the site since Jan. 16, 1991—into a discretionary, conditioned use gives the city more regulatory control. The conditions include no-loitering and no public drinking signage, annual reviews, and a staff mechanism to return the CUP to the commission for reconsideration if problems arise. Planning Director remarks and staff guidance noted residents may pursue code enforcement complaints or, for criminal activity, contact the Montebello Police Department.

During deliberations a motion to approve the CUP with staff recommendations was made and seconded; the roll-call vote recorded affirmative votes from Commissioner Cuevas, Commissioner Morales, Vice Chair Lomeli and Chairperson Medina, and the motion passed 4-0. The CUP approval is tied to Resolution 0726 and is subject to the stated conditions and periodic review by the commission.

The commission adjourned at approximately 7:26 p.m. The permit allows the store to keep distilled spirits behind the counter in a controlled setting; the commission’s annual review and code enforcement options provide the primary paths for the city to raise compliance concerns in the future.