Councilman Ray Luna asked if Sunner would take a one-year probationary license and Councilwoman Mary Ann Krause wanted to explore the relationship with Los Arcos.Sunner said that when he learned at the June Planning Commission meeting that his tenant was violating liquor license laws, “I gave written notice” that any further infractions would result in the lease being broken.The concentration of licenses within the 1000-foot circle from Sam’s Market is problematic, said Bartlett, especially its proximity to the planned skatepark.Mayor John Procter noted that when the Chevron gas station and mini-mart at the corner of 10th and Harvard Boulevard received permission to sell beer and wine the skatepark effort had not yet been launched.Chief Bob Gonzales told the council that the city has “somewhat relaxed” its stance on liquor license approval since strict local governing policies have been implemented.In addition, as the liquor licensee of Los Arcos, it is Sunner’s responsibility to ensure that the law is adhered to, Chief Gonzales added, although he was not notified of the violations.Luna said that 22 police contacts with Los Arcos in four years are not excessive.“It seems to me that another store doesn’t create another drinker,” said Procter.Although complementary to Sunner and his business enterprises, the council sided with the Planning Commission, with Luna the lone dissenter.
Main Street: Sam’s Market denied beer and wine sales by City Council
August 13, 2003
Santa Paula City Council
Sam’s Market on Main Street won’t be selling beer and wine after the City Council upheld the Planning Commission’s denial on a 4-1 vote.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesSam’s Market on Main Street won’t be selling beer and wine after the City Council upheld the Planning Commission’s denial on a 4-1 vote.Surinder Sunner, the owner of the market, had first attempted to secure a beer and wine license in 1995 but was refused. Sunner tried again after the city allowed several new businesses to sell beer and wine.Also an issue is Los Arcos restaurant, which is leased out although owned by Sunner and the scene of “problems” according to Planning Director Tom Bartlett.At the June Planning Commission meeting, Sunner, whose company owns 15 groceries in Ventura County, noted that he had not been notified about liquor-license violations.Sunner said his 1995 application was denied “because I was told in Santa Paula we don’t need more licenses. . .in the last year three licenses were issued,” and now the issue has become one of fairness. I don’t want anything” that others have been denied.Sunner noted his Main Street market is the only such enterprise in the city that does not make beer and wine available to customers.Supporters of Sunner’s request included former Mayor Al Urias and Gloria Hanson.“. . .Let’s be fair to everyone; if Sunner is denied then everyone should be denied,” said Urias.