Planning Commission votes to allow Circle K liquor license and will vote on Iron Triangle Target license
The Long Beach Planning Commission voted at their meeting on July 19th to allow the Circle K at Palo Verde and Stearns to have a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for an alcohol license to sell beer and wine.
The Developmental Services staff had recommended against the CUP on the grounds that only three licenses are allowed in the census area and the location is in a high crime reporting area.
In comments before the Commissioners, the Circle K consultant's main argument was that the census area has been over the allowable amount for over eleven years. The allowable number for the census area is three, but the area has had five. The consultant then reported that it now has only four alcohol licenses because the Rite Aid at the Los Altos Center closed. The consultant argued that with Rite Aid gone, the Circle K license would just bring the number of liquor licenses to the same five it has been for the past eleven years. The consultant also stated that Circle K was willing to accept restrictions in the CUP.
High crimes in the area were only brought up by one homeowner and other businesses with liquor licenses. Those businesses also brought up their longevity insinuated that competition from Circle K would be detrimental.
The Planning Commissioners asked the Developmental Services staff about making decisions based on business competitions. The staff stated that competitor issues are never considered in any staff recommendations.
Staff was also questioned about alcohol licenses surpassing the census area allotments across the city. Staff responded that the staff recommendations are based upon the police data criteria of the Alcohol Beverage Control population criteria. They added that the Planning Commissioners may take other criteria into consideration when making a decision.
The Planning Commission voted 3-2 to grant a CUP to the Circle K. The item is not final and will have to come back before the Commissioners. The staff will bring the item back with a recommendation to approve the CUP based on another criterion and with appropriate restrictions. The legal staff recommended that the criteria for approval be community convenience.
At the August 2, 2018, Planning Commission meeting, the Target at the Bixby Village Center at the Iron Triangle intersection will be on the agenda for a CUP to sell off-site (carryout) alcohol license. The small format Target replaced the former Ralphs store that had a liquor license.
The Developmental Services staff is recommending approval.
Krispy Kreme specials for its 81st birthday
On Friday, July 27 Krispy Kreme will be celebrating its 81st birthday with two special offerings.
This Friday customers who buy a dozen donuts can add a dozen of the Original Glazed Doughnuts for just one dollar. The $1 dozen offer is only good on Friday, July 27th.
In addition for the next week Krispy Kreme will be offering a special birthday donut that is described as inspired by a "vanilla birthday" cake. The birthday donut will be an Original Glazed with confetti sprinkles inside the donut and sprinkled on top. The special Birthday Glazed will be available for one week Friday, July 27th to Thursday, August 2nd. 
