SB 148 Liquor Store Ordinances Action Alert

State Senator Jack Scott (D-Pasadena) has introduced SB 148 that is designed to give cities more leverage in enforcing city codes while requiring liquor stores to conform to city zoning laws. Your support is encouraged for passage of this bill. “Cities are caught in a difficult position because liquor licenses are issued by the state and in order to change local ordinances you have to change state law,” he stated.

Currently, only zoning ordinances that were present when the liquor license was issued are in effect and cities have no control over the non-conforming or those “grand fathered” in. If regulations are needed, the ABC would have to impose restrictions on those licensees or a change in state law may be needed. The proposed legislation would enable municipalities to issue operating guidelines to the non-conforming under a conditional use permit process and allow liquor storeowners a reasonable time to comply or sell.

Download & modify a sample letter of support here

Please send letters of support before April 25th to your state senator and copy:

Senator Jack Scott
State Capitol
Room 2082
Sacramento, CA 95814
fax 916-324-7543
senator.scott@sen.ca.gov.

Contact Steve Lipira at sclipira@yahoo.com for additional information.