Study finds most Lemon Grove liquor stores violating state law

LEMON GROVE -- Assessments conducted by a local coalition have revealed that most businesses selling alcohol in Lemon Grove are out of compliance with State regulations.

The survey was done in July of this year by the Young Advocates, a prevention group concerned about alcohol-related problems in the community. Their survey consisted of 15 assessments conducted at the city’s markets, convenience and liquor stores, most of them located in the downtown area. Their purpose was to determine whether or not these businesses were following the business standards and regulations set by California’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

“We noticed a lot of issues; not only were the operation standards not up to par, but there were beer cans and empty bottles in the bushes and sidewalks. There’s definitely work that needs to be done to bring these businesses into compliance,” said Ellen Van, Young Advocate.

Of the 15 establishments that were evaluated, almost 70 percent of clear windows or doors were covered with advertising or signs, obscuring visibility from the street. This is more than double the 33 percent that is permitted by state law.

Such conditions prevent police on patrol from seeing what’s was going on in the store, which could be dangerous for clerks or customers if there were some kind of problem such as a robbery taking place.

Almost half of the stores had visible graffiti on the premises or in the parking lot, and other observed concerns included loitering, trash and panhandling. And more than half did not have required signs stating, “No open alcoholic containers are allowed on the premises” somewhere on the property.

Community members are aware of these issues. “I think a lot of residents have noticed problems with people drinking in public, finding beer bottles on the sidewalks and a number of other issues that really affect everyone,” said Scott Robinson, resident of Lemon Grove.

Another local resident, Jesus Montana, is encouraging local businesses step up and do a better job. “The primary responsibility is upon these businesses to operate within the law” he said.

A stronger emphasis on enforcement is another option that has been discussed. However, the primary authority overseeing alcohol outlets, the California Alcoholic Beverage Control, doesn’t seem to have the resources to deal with the problem.

“This agency is so drastically understaffed it is not able to monitor the thousands of alcohol outlets across the state”, Montana said.

To deal with this problem, some cities have passed ordinances to establish more local control. For example, last year El Cajon adopted a new type of law known as a Deemed Approved Ordinance, which gives the city more power to regulate problem alcohol retailers.

Although Lemon Grove has not taken this step, some local residents feel the time may be right. “This is a step that could be taken right now to start solving problems,” Robinson said. “I think it’s time for us to start exploring such options and take some action.”