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Planning Commission approves beer-and-wine permit for Sabores de Mexico at 1105 W. Whittier Blvd.
Summary
The Montebello Planning Commission on July 9 approved a conditional use permit to allow on-site sale and consumption of beer and wine at Sabores de Mexico (1105 W. Whittier Blvd.). Staff said no physical changes are proposed and found the project CEQA-exempt; the vote was unanimous.
The Montebello Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional use permit allowing the on-site sale and consumption of beer and wine (Type 41 ABC license) at Sabores de Mexico, a full-service restaurant at 1105 West Whittier Boulevard.
Planning staff recommended approval of Case PCDash2026Dash0020DashCUP and presented findings that the request involves no physical expansion and therefore qualifies for a Class 1 categorical exemption under CEQA (Section 15301). Grace Hayashi, the project presenter for city staff, said the restaurant occupies about 6,588 square feet, provides approximately 140 seats, and is located in a shared commercial plaza where roughly 340 shared parking spaces satisfy the city's parking standard.
The applicant’s agent, Raul Cueva, said the license "is intended solely to complement our food offerings and enhance the overall dining experience for our guests," and emphasized that alcohol sales would remain incidental to food service. Cueva also said employees who serve alcohol will obtain the state-required responsible beverage service certification. Citing no proposed interior or exterior expansion, staff concluded no tenant improvements tied to the alcohol license would trigger further environmental review.
Commissioners asked operational questions, including whether the business held liquor licenses in other jurisdictions; the applicant said this would be their first such license. There were no public comments submitted for the item during the hearing. A commissioner moved to approve the conditional use permit with staff recommendations; roll call recorded ayes from Commissioner Cuevas, Commissioner Morales, Vice Chairperson Lomeli and Chairperson Medina and the motion passed.
Case number: PCDash2026Dash0020DashCUP. Staff recommended adoption of Resolution 12-26 to approve the permit and find the project CEQA-exempt. The commission’s decision authorizes on-site beer and wine service only; any future changes to operations or signage would be subject to applicable permits and conditions of approval.
