Citrus Heights council blocks new liquor store proposal after public outcry

By Sara Beth Williams–
After significant opposition from residents and business owners during a public hearing, the Citrus Heights City Council denied a request for a legally required “Letter of Public Convenience and Necessity” to allow liquor sales at a new store on Greenback Lane. Such a letter, often referred to as a PCN, is typically required when a business applies for certain types of alcohol licenses in areas considered “high crime” or where the number of existing licenses exceeds a state-determined threshold.

During the Dec. 11 City Council meeting, dozens of community members spoke in opposition to a new liquor store proposed for 8067 Greenback Ln., saying that there are already too many other liquor stores in the same area. After an hour-and-a-half of public comment and discussion, the City Council voted 4-0 to not support the Letter of Public Convenience and Necessity, with councilwoman Porsche Middleton abstaining.

Bourbons & More owner Geo Mathews said the store is “not just a liquor store,” but an “instruction and educational premium bottle shop” that will offer instructional tastings of high-end alcoholic beverages. Bourbons & More currently lists two locations in Rocklin and Roseville.

Responding to questions from Middleton, Mathews said bottles are sold as low as $20, but at least 75 percent of the shop’s inventory is considered premium liquor, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 a bottle. Mathews also said that customers travel from “all over the United States” to find liquors they can’t find anywhere else. According to the city, the proposed liquor store is anticipated to generate $9,200 in annual sales tax revenue.

Councilmember Tim Schaefer, as well as other public commenters voiced concerns regarding the small size of the proposed location, and that the location was “subdued,” tucked behind a paint store. Mathews said rental rates at the proposed Citrus Heights location were attractive, noting “outrageous” prices in other locations.

All public commenters spoke in opposition, voicing concerns that there were too many other establishments that already offer liquor, that Citrus Heights is full of “common folk” who aren’t interested in high-end liquor, and that the area has a high transient population, and another liquor store could invite crime to the area. Several speakers were nearby business owners whose stores also sell liquor.

According to the city, there are currently five off-sale liquor licenses within the census tract in question, which is beyond the number authorized by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Two other liquor stores, located within neighboring census tracts to the east and south, are also within 1,000 feet of the proposed liquor store.

Some commenters said they were “surprised” to hear that the Police Department did not find any concerns regarding approving another liquor store. Prior to the meeting, a map was provided to the City Council which reportedly listed estimated DUIs from within the vicinity of the proposed shop.

Citrus Heights Police Chief Alex Turcotte said during the council meeting that he “can’t verify the statistics” provided to the City Council but added that the area in question accounts for “about 10 percent of DUIs throughout the city.”

Many commenters mentioned that while Bourbons & More described itself as an establishment that sells premium liquors, BevMo, located a half mile away in the Citrus Town Center, also sells high-end alcoholic beverages, and also offers wine tastings.

Councilmembers Kelsey Nelson, Middleton, and Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa and Vice Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff agreed that the area immediately surrounding the Greenback Square shopping center has an over-concentration of existing liquor stores. Lopez-Taff and Nelson said they “sympathize” with new business owners and suggested that the business find another location in the city.

Middleton acknowledged the “substantive” concerns made by the public, but emphasized that the proposal “technically meets all regulatory requirements” and noted that state law prevents the council from voting no on the request if opposition is based on restricting competition. Middleton also said she wanted to see a more “robust” discussion with the community and with the Community Development department regarding the long-term effects of the over-concentration of liquor stores.

Karpinski-Costa noted the public input received during the hearing, saying: “We don’t often get feedback from our community, and when we do, we need to listen.” Schaefer also noted the number of members of the public who spoke against the Bourbons & More proposal, calling it “compelling,” but both noted the business could be better suited in other parts of the city.

“I really want to encourage the applicant to look for another spot,” said Karpinski-Costa in a brief comment following the vote to not approve the issuance of a PCN. “It’s not a bad business, it’s just in the wrong location — one that isn’t so saturated.”

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