SAN FERNANDO : Council Endorses Curbs on New Liquor Stores

To the applause of a standing-room-only audience, the San Fernando City Council on Monday unanimously endorsed an ordinance curtailing liquor sales.

The measure prohibits new liquor stores from setting up shop until the city’s current population of 23,000 almost doubles. Since last July, residents have urged the city to implement its land-use power to halt the proliferation of liquor outlets. The city has 32 liquor stores and markets and 23 bars and restaurants within its 2.4-square-mile boundary.

Under the ordinance, stores that sell liquor to be consumed elsewhere would be prohibited until the city reaches a ratio of one outlet per 1,000 people. Because the city has 32 such outlets, none could open until the city grows to 33,000 residents.

Such outlets also must be located 600 feet from public schools, parks, and playgrounds, 300 feet from churches, and about a city block away from other outlets. Restaurants that sell alcohol by the drink must meet similar distance requirements.