Planning commission approves Mega Mart permit to sell beer, wine and spirits off-site at former Target

The East Palo Alto Planning Commission on Sept. 8 approved a conditional use permit (CUP25-001) allowing Mega Mart to sell beer, wine and distilled spirits for off-site consumption at 1775 East Bayshore Road, the former Target space in the Ravenswood 101 Shopping Center.

Associate Planner Alvin Jen told the commission the applicant has secured an ABC Type 21 transfer from the previous license holder and that the transfer is not treated as a new license. “The type 21 license allows for the sales of beer, wine, and distilled spirits for the consumption off the premises,” he said, adding that the police department did not express concerns during review and staff found no record of ABC revocation under the Mega Mart corporation. Staff estimated alcohol sales would represent roughly 2% of the store’s gross sales and recommended approval, finding the project consistent with the general-plan land-use designation.

Jen told commissioners that under the city code a conditional use permit is required for off-site alcohol sales and that the permit term is one year, after which the planning commission may review and extend it for up to three years. The staff report said the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Class 1 (existing facilities), and conditions of approval were proposed to address potential nuisance issues.

Commissioner Maishek moved to adopt the resolution approving CUP25-001 and to find the project categorically exempt under CEQA; the motion was seconded and the chair called the vote. The chair announced the motion carried and the commission approved the permit.

The approval includes the conditions and security measures described in staff’s recommendation; commissioners emphasized ongoing monitoring and the ability to revisit the permit at the one-year review.