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00-259Council File # O C-J. g Q t\i V�#\!'!� Presented Refesed To RESOLUTION SAiNT PAUL, MINNESOTA Green Sheet # 100407 l3 Committee Date 1 WI�REAS, the Legislative Hearing Officer recommends that the license application (ID # 19990Q0718Q) for 2 Grocery (C), Cigazette/Tobacco, and Malt Off Sale Licenses by Bishaza Ailabouni, dba Abu Nader's Groceries 3& Deli, 2095 Como Avenue, be approved; 4 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby approves tlus license 5 application. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Yeas Nays Absent Blakey r / Coleman p/ HaTris � Benanav ✓ Reitex � Bostrom ✓ Lantry � S � �-. 13 AdoptedbyCouncIl: Aate �. � a-oac� 14 Adoprion C fied by Council Secretary 15 By: "1� , a _ V'�,,.-.�-r_ 16 Approvedt 17 By: 1 Requested by Department o£ By: Form Approved by City Attomey By: Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council � nn..iro DEPARTMQd�lOFFICE/COUNCIL DATEYIrt1ATED -- . City Council Offices 3-13-2000 GREEN SHEET No 1 ��'�.07 CONtAC7 P62SON & PFIONE w� � Gerry Strathman, 266-8575 oa�unreirum�raa anaomu. MUSf BE ON C:bUNqL AG@JDA BY (DA1EI � March 22, 2000 �" IW1�9lPoR ❑ QIYATOISEY OIY4flllt � � {�IflIO4.i�NCA�R NIYIt1LL@M�CR6 ❑ wYapRllamrNirl ❑ TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES (CLIP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATUR� cnori REOUESTm Approving application for Grocery (C), Cigarette/Tobacco, and Malt Off Sale Licenses by Bishara Ailabouni, dba Abu Nader's Groceries & Deli, 2095 Como Avenue. R CA MENDATIO �rove )or eJect(R) VERSONALSERVICELONiRACfSMUSTANSWERiHEFOIIDWINGQUESTIONSs 1. FI�UUepeBONBrmeverworiaetlunderaconhacttorthietlepa�tment7 PLANNING COMMISSION YES NO CtBCAMMITSEE 2. Hmthosce�aJfifineverbeenearyanpbyee7 CMLSERVICECAMMISSION YES NO 3. �oesMisPem4M�mD�aslalino[nMre0.�JP�%�dM�YWrteMaF7emPbY�� VES � . la tltin p eiedu[rtn a ta�ge[etl �endoR YES MO F�lain all yes 3irevtivs m sepa�ate sheM aM atlach to prem ahcet INITIATING PROBLEM ISSUE, OPPORNNITY (Who, Whet, When, Whefa, Why) ADVANYAGES IFAPPRWED �n.;s�";' -r j.�, , c��;'�:,3� �`c^-�'�¢8� �4lF�iFb Su J OsPYa6i OISADVANTAGESIFAPPROVED DIS4DVAMAGES IF NOT APPROVED TOTALAMOUNtOFTRAN3ACT10Nf COST/REVENUEBU06ETED(GRCLEONq YE3 NO FUNDINOSOURCE � ACTIVRYNUMBER Fl W�NC W. INFORMATON (EXP W M Do -a�s q REPORT Date: March 13, 2000 Time: 11:00 a.m. Place: Room 330 City Hall I S West Kellogg Boulevazd LEGISLATIVE HEARING Gerry Strathman Legislative Hearing Officer Bishara Ailabouni, dba Abu Nader's Grocenies & Deli, 2095 Como Avenue Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the license application. rrrt 00 -}S 9 MINUTES OF THE LEGISLATIVE HEARING ABU NADER'S GROCERIES & DELI - 2095 Como Avenue Monday, Mazch 13, 2000 Room 330 Courthouse Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer STAFF PRESENT: Corinne Asuncion, License, Inspections, Environmental Protection (LIEP), Kristina Schweinler, LIEP The meeting was called to order at 1032 a.m. Gerry Strathman reported this meeting is being held to hear objections to a license application at 2095 Como Avenue for Bishara Ailabouni, dba Abu Nader's Groceries and Deli. Kristine Schweinler reported the application being applied for is Grocery (C), Malt Off Sale, and Cigarette Tobacco Licenses. Fire, Environmental Health, Zoning, and Licensing haue a11 recommended approval of this license. Lynn Schoch, 2117 Gordon Street, appeared and stated she lives about a block and half away from the store and has lived in her house for ten years. She has had many unpleasant experiences with drinking in her neighborhood, and has occasionally called the police to break up drinking parties. She made five points as to why this license application should be denied. (Ms. Schoch showed a map of the area.) 1) This location is unique, stated Ms. Schoch. Three blocks from the stose is the University of Minnesota Saint Paul Campus, directly across the street is Commonwealth Terrace, which is a University of Minnesota housing complex for married students, nearby aze fraternity houses and sorority houses. Much of the housing in the azea is occupied by college students. These are the peopie that have the drinking parties that result in disturbances in the neighborhood. This is a poor location for an additional outlet of liquor. Ms. Schoch has reviewed the policy positions of various Internet sites that deal with alcohol. Student drinking is a huge problem on college campuses. There is a correlation between heavy drinking and poor grades. She is concerned about the married student housing across the street because drinking is associated with spouse abuse and has a negative effect on pregnant women and their unborn children. All of these issues haue particular relevance because of the specific location of tlus store. 2) There is no need for another 3.2 ouflet in the neighborhood. Within six blocks is a store that sells 3.2 beer, five blocks down Raymond is a store that sells 3.2 beer, and there is a full service liquor stare on University Avenue. 3) There is an elementary school that is 1.5 blocks from the store. On a daily basis, there aze many children passing this store that wili be exposed to advertising, seeing people come and go with liquor. This is fiuther exposure. Organizations that aze striving to pmvide healthy ba �� ABU NADER'S GROCERIES & DELI, 2095 Como Avenue Page 2 environznents for children have said there needs to be a decrease in exposure and availability of alcohol to them. 4) Saint Paul ens in characterizing 3.2 beer as a non intoxicating substance, stated Ms. Schoch. According to the American Medicai Association website, even low levels of alcohol can lead to problems for drivers. 5) There would be more people from St. Anthony Pazk that would be opposed to this license application if they laiew about the issue. If notice is sent out to people in a 300 foot radius of this location, almost all of the people who received the nofice would be students. There are few homeowners anymore. Sufficient time was not given to respond; it was less than 30 days. However, stated Ms. Schoch, the reason was explained to her. If this hearing or application for a license had been publicized in the neighborhood paper, a lot more people would haue taken an interest in it. In swnmary, stated Ms. Schoch, this issue is choosing to pursue a policy that is not in the best interest of the future and the children. An effective public health effort needs to include minimizing consumption of alcohol and eaposure to violence. Mr. Strathmau asked has a store operated there previously and have they sold beer in the past. Ms. Schoch responded the store has been there. She was told they sold beer in the past, but she does not have personal knowiedge of that. Mr. Strathman stated the City has the authority to not grant a license or to take one away, but those are considered to be adverse actions. In order for the City to take an adverse acfion, there needs to be a demonstration that this license is causing and has caused problems to a significant number of people. Ms. Schoch responded she could not say this store is a direct cause of problems. The store is part of a much bigger issue of the general availability of alcohol. When the store is so convenient, there is always the possibility of someone getting more liquor once they have already started. She is concerned about the general condition of the neighborhood. Bishara Ailabouni, owner, appeared and stated he and his wife grew up in Israel, and they came to America 31 years ago. They have rivo college students at home who are in pre med at St. Thomas. He has lived in Minnesota 21 years and has lived in St. Anthony Park all this time. He owns two properties in the area and has five apartments rented out. At the top of the lease it says no wild parties. They may drink, but they know if they have wild parties, they are out. Owners and landlords could control some of the problems in the neighborhood. Twenty years ago, he ran the store himself far three years. It was one of the last Country Boys in town. He sold 3.2 beer and there were no problems. There is space for three cazs in the front of the building, and there are four businesses on the corner, stated Mr. Ailabouni. Therefare, most of the customers walk in. He lived in the student housing across the street for four yeazs while his wife went to pharmacy school. They had two oa-aSq ABU NADER'S GROCERIES & DELI, 2095 Como Avenue Page 3 kids in the apartment. All the student housing inhabitants aze older than 21 yeazs of age. He believes strongiy that the students there aze not having problems with alcohol from the store itself. The problems come from people who live in houses and might be under 21, especialiy when the landlord does not control matters. The store was closed for fifteen months. They purchased the building last October, and it was opened in February. They put in $120,000 to remodel it. One of the reasons he is insisting on the 3.2 beer license is that by selling it himself, he is helping control it. Mr. Ailabouni would be on the comer seven days a week and would get to Irnow people and could heip control the problem. Ms. Schoch asked Mr. Strathman could hours of sell be placed on the license. Mr. Ailabouni responded the store hours are 8 a.m. to 9 pm. Ms. Schweinler stated those hours fall in the State restrictions for the sell of 3.2 beer. Mr. Strathman recommended approval of the license application. He understands and admires Ms. Schoch for coming to the mee6ng and raising these issues. He also understands what it is like to live in a neighborhood with too much drinking. However, the license being applied for is permitted in Saint Paul in its location. There is no record and nothing to suggest this owner has operated in anything other than an appropriate manner. Also, there is no demonstration that this license is contrary to the interests and welfare of a lazge number of people in the neighborhood. The meering was adjourned at 10:56 am. rrn Council File # O C-J. g Q t\i V�#\!'!� Presented Refesed To RESOLUTION SAiNT PAUL, MINNESOTA Green Sheet # 100407 l3 Committee Date 1 WI�REAS, the Legislative Hearing Officer recommends that the license application (ID # 19990Q0718Q) for 2 Grocery (C), Cigazette/Tobacco, and Malt Off Sale Licenses by Bishaza Ailabouni, dba Abu Nader's Groceries 3& Deli, 2095 Como Avenue, be approved; 4 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby approves tlus license 5 application. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Yeas Nays Absent Blakey r / Coleman p/ HaTris � Benanav ✓ Reitex � Bostrom ✓ Lantry � S � �-. 13 AdoptedbyCouncIl: Aate �. � a-oac� 14 Adoprion C fied by Council Secretary 15 By: "1� , a _ V'�,,.-.�-r_ 16 Approvedt 17 By: 1 Requested by Department o£ By: Form Approved by City Attomey By: Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council � nn..iro DEPARTMQd�lOFFICE/COUNCIL DATEYIrt1ATED -- . City Council Offices 3-13-2000 GREEN SHEET No 1 ��'�.07 CONtAC7 P62SON & PFIONE w� � Gerry Strathman, 266-8575 oa�unreirum�raa anaomu. MUSf BE ON C:bUNqL AG@JDA BY (DA1EI � March 22, 2000 �" IW1�9lPoR ❑ QIYATOISEY OIY4flllt � � {�IflIO4.i�NCA�R NIYIt1LL@M�CR6 ❑ wYapRllamrNirl ❑ TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES (CLIP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATUR� cnori REOUESTm Approving application for Grocery (C), Cigarette/Tobacco, and Malt Off Sale Licenses by Bishara Ailabouni, dba Abu Nader's Groceries & Deli, 2095 Como Avenue. R CA MENDATIO �rove )or eJect(R) VERSONALSERVICELONiRACfSMUSTANSWERiHEFOIIDWINGQUESTIONSs 1. FI�UUepeBONBrmeverworiaetlunderaconhacttorthietlepa�tment7 PLANNING COMMISSION YES NO CtBCAMMITSEE 2. Hmthosce�aJfifineverbeenearyanpbyee7 CMLSERVICECAMMISSION YES NO 3. �oesMisPem4M�mD�aslalino[nMre0.�JP�%�dM�YWrteMaF7emPbY�� VES � . la tltin p eiedu[rtn a ta�ge[etl �endoR YES MO F�lain all yes 3irevtivs m sepa�ate sheM aM atlach to prem ahcet INITIATING PROBLEM ISSUE, OPPORNNITY (Who, Whet, When, Whefa, Why) ADVANYAGES IFAPPRWED �n.;s�";' -r j.�, , c��;'�:,3� �`c^-�'�¢8� �4lF�iFb Su J OsPYa6i OISADVANTAGESIFAPPROVED DIS4DVAMAGES IF NOT APPROVED TOTALAMOUNtOFTRAN3ACT10Nf COST/REVENUEBU06ETED(GRCLEONq YE3 NO FUNDINOSOURCE � ACTIVRYNUMBER Fl W�NC W. INFORMATON (EXP W M Do -a�s q REPORT Date: March 13, 2000 Time: 11:00 a.m. Place: Room 330 City Hall I S West Kellogg Boulevazd LEGISLATIVE HEARING Gerry Strathman Legislative Hearing Officer Bishara Ailabouni, dba Abu Nader's Grocenies & Deli, 2095 Como Avenue Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the license application. rrrt 00 -}S 9 MINUTES OF THE LEGISLATIVE HEARING ABU NADER'S GROCERIES & DELI - 2095 Como Avenue Monday, Mazch 13, 2000 Room 330 Courthouse Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer STAFF PRESENT: Corinne Asuncion, License, Inspections, Environmental Protection (LIEP), Kristina Schweinler, LIEP The meeting was called to order at 1032 a.m. Gerry Strathman reported this meeting is being held to hear objections to a license application at 2095 Como Avenue for Bishara Ailabouni, dba Abu Nader's Groceries and Deli. Kristine Schweinler reported the application being applied for is Grocery (C), Malt Off Sale, and Cigarette Tobacco Licenses. Fire, Environmental Health, Zoning, and Licensing haue a11 recommended approval of this license. Lynn Schoch, 2117 Gordon Street, appeared and stated she lives about a block and half away from the store and has lived in her house for ten years. She has had many unpleasant experiences with drinking in her neighborhood, and has occasionally called the police to break up drinking parties. She made five points as to why this license application should be denied. (Ms. Schoch showed a map of the area.) 1) This location is unique, stated Ms. Schoch. Three blocks from the stose is the University of Minnesota Saint Paul Campus, directly across the street is Commonwealth Terrace, which is a University of Minnesota housing complex for married students, nearby aze fraternity houses and sorority houses. Much of the housing in the azea is occupied by college students. These are the peopie that have the drinking parties that result in disturbances in the neighborhood. This is a poor location for an additional outlet of liquor. Ms. Schoch has reviewed the policy positions of various Internet sites that deal with alcohol. Student drinking is a huge problem on college campuses. There is a correlation between heavy drinking and poor grades. She is concerned about the married student housing across the street because drinking is associated with spouse abuse and has a negative effect on pregnant women and their unborn children. All of these issues haue particular relevance because of the specific location of tlus store. 2) There is no need for another 3.2 ouflet in the neighborhood. Within six blocks is a store that sells 3.2 beer, five blocks down Raymond is a store that sells 3.2 beer, and there is a full service liquor stare on University Avenue. 3) There is an elementary school that is 1.5 blocks from the store. On a daily basis, there aze many children passing this store that wili be exposed to advertising, seeing people come and go with liquor. This is fiuther exposure. Organizations that aze striving to pmvide healthy ba �� ABU NADER'S GROCERIES & DELI, 2095 Como Avenue Page 2 environznents for children have said there needs to be a decrease in exposure and availability of alcohol to them. 4) Saint Paul ens in characterizing 3.2 beer as a non intoxicating substance, stated Ms. Schoch. According to the American Medicai Association website, even low levels of alcohol can lead to problems for drivers. 5) There would be more people from St. Anthony Pazk that would be opposed to this license application if they laiew about the issue. If notice is sent out to people in a 300 foot radius of this location, almost all of the people who received the nofice would be students. There are few homeowners anymore. Sufficient time was not given to respond; it was less than 30 days. However, stated Ms. Schoch, the reason was explained to her. If this hearing or application for a license had been publicized in the neighborhood paper, a lot more people would haue taken an interest in it. In swnmary, stated Ms. Schoch, this issue is choosing to pursue a policy that is not in the best interest of the future and the children. An effective public health effort needs to include minimizing consumption of alcohol and eaposure to violence. Mr. Strathmau asked has a store operated there previously and have they sold beer in the past. Ms. Schoch responded the store has been there. She was told they sold beer in the past, but she does not have personal knowiedge of that. Mr. Strathman stated the City has the authority to not grant a license or to take one away, but those are considered to be adverse actions. In order for the City to take an adverse acfion, there needs to be a demonstration that this license is causing and has caused problems to a significant number of people. Ms. Schoch responded she could not say this store is a direct cause of problems. The store is part of a much bigger issue of the general availability of alcohol. When the store is so convenient, there is always the possibility of someone getting more liquor once they have already started. She is concerned about the general condition of the neighborhood. Bishara Ailabouni, owner, appeared and stated he and his wife grew up in Israel, and they came to America 31 years ago. They have rivo college students at home who are in pre med at St. Thomas. He has lived in Minnesota 21 years and has lived in St. Anthony Park all this time. He owns two properties in the area and has five apartments rented out. At the top of the lease it says no wild parties. They may drink, but they know if they have wild parties, they are out. Owners and landlords could control some of the problems in the neighborhood. Twenty years ago, he ran the store himself far three years. It was one of the last Country Boys in town. He sold 3.2 beer and there were no problems. There is space for three cazs in the front of the building, and there are four businesses on the corner, stated Mr. Ailabouni. Therefare, most of the customers walk in. He lived in the student housing across the street for four yeazs while his wife went to pharmacy school. They had two oa-aSq ABU NADER'S GROCERIES & DELI, 2095 Como Avenue Page 3 kids in the apartment. All the student housing inhabitants aze older than 21 yeazs of age. He believes strongiy that the students there aze not having problems with alcohol from the store itself. The problems come from people who live in houses and might be under 21, especialiy when the landlord does not control matters. The store was closed for fifteen months. They purchased the building last October, and it was opened in February. They put in $120,000 to remodel it. One of the reasons he is insisting on the 3.2 beer license is that by selling it himself, he is helping control it. Mr. Ailabouni would be on the comer seven days a week and would get to Irnow people and could heip control the problem. Ms. Schoch asked Mr. Strathman could hours of sell be placed on the license. Mr. Ailabouni responded the store hours are 8 a.m. to 9 pm. Ms. Schweinler stated those hours fall in the State restrictions for the sell of 3.2 beer. Mr. Strathman recommended approval of the license application. He understands and admires Ms. Schoch for coming to the mee6ng and raising these issues. He also understands what it is like to live in a neighborhood with too much drinking. However, the license being applied for is permitted in Saint Paul in its location. There is no record and nothing to suggest this owner has operated in anything other than an appropriate manner. Also, there is no demonstration that this license is contrary to the interests and welfare of a lazge number of people in the neighborhood. The meering was adjourned at 10:56 am. rrn Council File # O C-J. g Q t\i V�#\!'!� Presented Refesed To RESOLUTION SAiNT PAUL, MINNESOTA Green Sheet # 100407 l3 Committee Date 1 WI�REAS, the Legislative Hearing Officer recommends that the license application (ID # 19990Q0718Q) for 2 Grocery (C), Cigazette/Tobacco, and Malt Off Sale Licenses by Bishaza Ailabouni, dba Abu Nader's Groceries 3& Deli, 2095 Como Avenue, be approved; 4 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby approves tlus license 5 application. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Yeas Nays Absent Blakey r / Coleman p/ HaTris � Benanav ✓ Reitex � Bostrom ✓ Lantry � S � �-. 13 AdoptedbyCouncIl: Aate �. � a-oac� 14 Adoprion C fied by Council Secretary 15 By: "1� , a _ V'�,,.-.�-r_ 16 Approvedt 17 By: 1 Requested by Department o£ By: Form Approved by City Attomey By: Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council � nn..iro DEPARTMQd�lOFFICE/COUNCIL DATEYIrt1ATED -- . City Council Offices 3-13-2000 GREEN SHEET No 1 ��'�.07 CONtAC7 P62SON & PFIONE w� � Gerry Strathman, 266-8575 oa�unreirum�raa anaomu. MUSf BE ON C:bUNqL AG@JDA BY (DA1EI � March 22, 2000 �" IW1�9lPoR ❑ QIYATOISEY OIY4flllt � � {�IflIO4.i�NCA�R NIYIt1LL@M�CR6 ❑ wYapRllamrNirl ❑ TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE PAGES (CLIP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATUR� cnori REOUESTm Approving application for Grocery (C), Cigarette/Tobacco, and Malt Off Sale Licenses by Bishara Ailabouni, dba Abu Nader's Groceries & Deli, 2095 Como Avenue. R CA MENDATIO �rove )or eJect(R) VERSONALSERVICELONiRACfSMUSTANSWERiHEFOIIDWINGQUESTIONSs 1. FI�UUepeBONBrmeverworiaetlunderaconhacttorthietlepa�tment7 PLANNING COMMISSION YES NO CtBCAMMITSEE 2. Hmthosce�aJfifineverbeenearyanpbyee7 CMLSERVICECAMMISSION YES NO 3. �oesMisPem4M�mD�aslalino[nMre0.�JP�%�dM�YWrteMaF7emPbY�� VES � . la tltin p eiedu[rtn a ta�ge[etl �endoR YES MO F�lain all yes 3irevtivs m sepa�ate sheM aM atlach to prem ahcet INITIATING PROBLEM ISSUE, OPPORNNITY (Who, Whet, When, Whefa, Why) ADVANYAGES IFAPPRWED �n.;s�";' -r j.�, , c��;'�:,3� �`c^-�'�¢8� �4lF�iFb Su J OsPYa6i OISADVANTAGESIFAPPROVED DIS4DVAMAGES IF NOT APPROVED TOTALAMOUNtOFTRAN3ACT10Nf COST/REVENUEBU06ETED(GRCLEONq YE3 NO FUNDINOSOURCE � ACTIVRYNUMBER Fl W�NC W. INFORMATON (EXP W M Do -a�s q REPORT Date: March 13, 2000 Time: 11:00 a.m. Place: Room 330 City Hall I S West Kellogg Boulevazd LEGISLATIVE HEARING Gerry Strathman Legislative Hearing Officer Bishara Ailabouni, dba Abu Nader's Grocenies & Deli, 2095 Como Avenue Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the license application. rrrt 00 -}S 9 MINUTES OF THE LEGISLATIVE HEARING ABU NADER'S GROCERIES & DELI - 2095 Como Avenue Monday, Mazch 13, 2000 Room 330 Courthouse Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer STAFF PRESENT: Corinne Asuncion, License, Inspections, Environmental Protection (LIEP), Kristina Schweinler, LIEP The meeting was called to order at 1032 a.m. Gerry Strathman reported this meeting is being held to hear objections to a license application at 2095 Como Avenue for Bishara Ailabouni, dba Abu Nader's Groceries and Deli. Kristine Schweinler reported the application being applied for is Grocery (C), Malt Off Sale, and Cigarette Tobacco Licenses. Fire, Environmental Health, Zoning, and Licensing haue a11 recommended approval of this license. Lynn Schoch, 2117 Gordon Street, appeared and stated she lives about a block and half away from the store and has lived in her house for ten years. She has had many unpleasant experiences with drinking in her neighborhood, and has occasionally called the police to break up drinking parties. She made five points as to why this license application should be denied. (Ms. Schoch showed a map of the area.) 1) This location is unique, stated Ms. Schoch. Three blocks from the stose is the University of Minnesota Saint Paul Campus, directly across the street is Commonwealth Terrace, which is a University of Minnesota housing complex for married students, nearby aze fraternity houses and sorority houses. Much of the housing in the azea is occupied by college students. These are the peopie that have the drinking parties that result in disturbances in the neighborhood. This is a poor location for an additional outlet of liquor. Ms. Schoch has reviewed the policy positions of various Internet sites that deal with alcohol. Student drinking is a huge problem on college campuses. There is a correlation between heavy drinking and poor grades. She is concerned about the married student housing across the street because drinking is associated with spouse abuse and has a negative effect on pregnant women and their unborn children. All of these issues haue particular relevance because of the specific location of tlus store. 2) There is no need for another 3.2 ouflet in the neighborhood. Within six blocks is a store that sells 3.2 beer, five blocks down Raymond is a store that sells 3.2 beer, and there is a full service liquor stare on University Avenue. 3) There is an elementary school that is 1.5 blocks from the store. On a daily basis, there aze many children passing this store that wili be exposed to advertising, seeing people come and go with liquor. This is fiuther exposure. Organizations that aze striving to pmvide healthy ba �� ABU NADER'S GROCERIES & DELI, 2095 Como Avenue Page 2 environznents for children have said there needs to be a decrease in exposure and availability of alcohol to them. 4) Saint Paul ens in characterizing 3.2 beer as a non intoxicating substance, stated Ms. Schoch. According to the American Medicai Association website, even low levels of alcohol can lead to problems for drivers. 5) There would be more people from St. Anthony Pazk that would be opposed to this license application if they laiew about the issue. If notice is sent out to people in a 300 foot radius of this location, almost all of the people who received the nofice would be students. There are few homeowners anymore. Sufficient time was not given to respond; it was less than 30 days. However, stated Ms. Schoch, the reason was explained to her. If this hearing or application for a license had been publicized in the neighborhood paper, a lot more people would haue taken an interest in it. In swnmary, stated Ms. Schoch, this issue is choosing to pursue a policy that is not in the best interest of the future and the children. An effective public health effort needs to include minimizing consumption of alcohol and eaposure to violence. Mr. Strathmau asked has a store operated there previously and have they sold beer in the past. Ms. Schoch responded the store has been there. She was told they sold beer in the past, but she does not have personal knowiedge of that. Mr. Strathman stated the City has the authority to not grant a license or to take one away, but those are considered to be adverse actions. In order for the City to take an adverse acfion, there needs to be a demonstration that this license is causing and has caused problems to a significant number of people. Ms. Schoch responded she could not say this store is a direct cause of problems. The store is part of a much bigger issue of the general availability of alcohol. When the store is so convenient, there is always the possibility of someone getting more liquor once they have already started. She is concerned about the general condition of the neighborhood. Bishara Ailabouni, owner, appeared and stated he and his wife grew up in Israel, and they came to America 31 years ago. They have rivo college students at home who are in pre med at St. Thomas. He has lived in Minnesota 21 years and has lived in St. Anthony Park all this time. He owns two properties in the area and has five apartments rented out. At the top of the lease it says no wild parties. They may drink, but they know if they have wild parties, they are out. Owners and landlords could control some of the problems in the neighborhood. Twenty years ago, he ran the store himself far three years. It was one of the last Country Boys in town. He sold 3.2 beer and there were no problems. There is space for three cazs in the front of the building, and there are four businesses on the corner, stated Mr. Ailabouni. Therefare, most of the customers walk in. He lived in the student housing across the street for four yeazs while his wife went to pharmacy school. They had two oa-aSq ABU NADER'S GROCERIES & DELI, 2095 Como Avenue Page 3 kids in the apartment. All the student housing inhabitants aze older than 21 yeazs of age. He believes strongiy that the students there aze not having problems with alcohol from the store itself. The problems come from people who live in houses and might be under 21, especialiy when the landlord does not control matters. The store was closed for fifteen months. They purchased the building last October, and it was opened in February. They put in $120,000 to remodel it. One of the reasons he is insisting on the 3.2 beer license is that by selling it himself, he is helping control it. Mr. Ailabouni would be on the comer seven days a week and would get to Irnow people and could heip control the problem. Ms. Schoch asked Mr. Strathman could hours of sell be placed on the license. Mr. Ailabouni responded the store hours are 8 a.m. to 9 pm. Ms. Schweinler stated those hours fall in the State restrictions for the sell of 3.2 beer. Mr. Strathman recommended approval of the license application. He understands and admires Ms. Schoch for coming to the mee6ng and raising these issues. He also understands what it is like to live in a neighborhood with too much drinking. However, the license being applied for is permitted in Saint Paul in its location. There is no record and nothing to suggest this owner has operated in anything other than an appropriate manner. Also, there is no demonstration that this license is contrary to the interests and welfare of a lazge number of people in the neighborhood. The meering was adjourned at 10:56 am. rrn