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Planning commission denies 7‑Eleven request to sell distilled spirits at Prairie Avenue location
Summary
The Inglewood Planning Commission voted 4–1 to deny SUP26‑0016, a request to allow off‑site sale of distilled spirits at a 7‑Eleven at 837 S. Prairie Ave. Commissioners cited neighborhood oversaturation of alcohol outlets and late‑night safety concerns; the applicant offered conditions including a ban on airplane‑size bottles and employee training.
The Inglewood Planning Commission on a 4–1 vote denied Special Use Permit SUP26‑0016, which would have allowed a 7‑Eleven at 837 S. Prairie Ave to add distilled‑spirits sales to an existing off‑sale license.
Commissioner Rice moved to deny the permit, arguing there was “no community benefit to this project” and raising concerns about further saturating nearby alcohol outlets. The motion carried with Commissioners Rice, Trejo, Shaw Williams and Chair Springs voting to deny and Commissioner Fowler voting no. Following the decision, staff reminded the public that the Inglewood Municipal Code allows an appeal within 20 days of the notice of decision.
Planner Angel Leon Martel told the commission that the site is an existing ~3,400‑square‑foot commercial building with a roughly 1,750‑square‑foot sales area, three employees on shift, and 32 interior and exterior security cameras; staff reported crime incidents at the site of 6 in 2023, 8 in 2024 and 5 in 2025. Martel also noted the proposal included a locked, approximately 4‑square‑foot display for distilled spirits and that staff had added a design‑review condition should the applicant retain an existing mural.
Bruce Evans, counsel for 7‑Eleven, told the commission the franchisee has operated at that location for decades and offered to accept conditions the commission sought, saying, “we're happy to agree to a condition that makes clear, that no airplane size liquor bottles shall be sold.” Evans emphasized the proposed spirits would occupy under 2% of total display area and argued that CUP controls would mitigate problems. Commissioners expressed concerns about late‑night alcohol sales, potential loitering and competition with nonconforming liquor stores in the vicinity.
The commission’s denial followed a failed attempt to approve the permit (a motion to approve died for lack of a second), subsequent deliberations about findings and an amended denial motion focused on neighborhood impacts and license saturation. Staff noted applicants may appeal the decision in writing to the planning division and that an appeal must be filed within 20 days.
