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Council denies on‑premise alcohol requests for convenience stores after public‑safety pushback
Summary
Council voted to deny at least one conditional‑use permit that would have allowed on‑site alcohol (margarita slushies) at convenience/gas stores after public testimony and law‑enforcement concerns about drunk driving and safety.
The City Council denied a request to allow on‑site consumption of alcoholic beverages at convenience stores after extended public comment and statements by public‑safety officials.
Advocates for denial — including Laredo residents and groups focused on preventing impaired driving — argued the proposed margarita‑style frozen drinks would encourage drinking at locations where customers routinely leave by car. Elizabeth Alonso Villavial, president of Laredoans Against Drunk Driving, told the council: “Allowing them to consume alcohol before returning to the road creates public safety risk. One last life is one too many.”
Police and public‑safety officials warned that designating gas stations and corner stores as on‑premise alcohol venues would complicate enforcement and could increase impaired‑driving incidents. The assistant police chief confirmed that consumption in convenience stores is currently prohibited absent proper licensing but that the requested permits would allow on‑site consumption.
After public testimony and council discussion, members moved and approved a motion to close and deny (item 22). Several similar convenience‑store requests on the agenda were also discussed and either denied or remanded depending on district and location.
Next steps: Council decisions deny the specific CUP requests that were considered tonight; applicants may return with revised proposals or pursue other zoning paths in compliance with city code.
