Beer Fear Was Unfounded, Store Owner Says

On the corner of First Street and Moorpark Avenue is a store that is a throwback to small town life. But even in small towns, there’s controversy, and store owner Hakim Barakat found himself smack dab in the middle of it . Now, though, it’s smooth sailing for the store owner.

The Moorpark General Store, owned and operated by Barakat, is just exactly what the name implies—general. For instance, if you’re looking for a Japanese fiber blanket, a barbecue tool set, a socket wrench, small toys for a party or a deck of cards, you can find them here. And if you need to buy groceries, pick up a nice cut of meat or buy a good wine, those are also here.

Barakat emigrated from Jordan to the U.S. in 1984 and has since owned and operated 11 grocery stores during the last 25 years. Currently he owns two stores—one in Simi Valley and the other in Moorpark. He bought the Moorpark site 2 1/2 years ago and has been expanding ever since.

“When this site came along, what really attracted me was the location," Barakat said. "I looked around and noticed there wasn’t any type of general merchandise store here in Moorpark.”

In August 2010, Barakat applied to the city of Moorpark for a conditional use permit (CUP) to sell beer and wine. After a thorough review by the Police Department and the City Council, the permit was approved in the fall.

However, a Moorpark resident filed an appeal, citing an over-saturation of businesses selling alcohol in the neighborhood. The petitioner claimed increased alcohol sales would lead to more crime in the neighborhood.

After reconsidering the matter, the City Council voted last December to deny the appeal and approve the application with guidelines laid down by the Police Department: adding exterior lighting, updating cold-case space devoted to beer and wine and making sure the alcohol was not displayed in the front of the store.

Barakat applied for his permit in what he calls a logical part of owning a grocery store. As for increased alcohol sales in the neighborhood, he claimed his store was the only retail grocery establishment between First and Spring streets with a CUP.

“The city has seen the necessity of having this type of business in this area, and that the CUP is a natural extension of my business," he said. "It’s the only store in this area that allows downtown people to have access to groceries, beer and wine.”

Barakat received the permit about two weeks ago, and feels that expanding his store has helped his sales.

“What I have seen so far is that, with the sales of meat, produce and groceries, as well as beer and wine, my business has gone up 40 percent,” he said.

He noted that the location of the store within walking distance of local neighborhoods along High Street and Poindexter was a big plus.

“I get a lot of foot traffic,” he said. “My customers come in and buy all their house needs, do their check cashing and use my bill payment center, which is the only one in Moorpark.”

In terms of beer and wine sales, Barakat believes there have been no additional problems with crime as a result of receiving his CUP, and arrest records don’t indicate a rise in crime in the area of his store.

Rather, he believes people are happy with his store, especially his surrounding Hispanic neighbors, which is important because those speaking against the license at the appeal hearing made much of the neighborhood’s ethnic makeup.

“I speak some Spanish and I give them the services they need. I try to cater to the Spanish-speaking needs of my neighborhood,” said Barakat.

Barakat believes he provides good customer service, a clean store, and a friendly atmosphere. As proof, he cited the nickname his customers have given him.

“They call me 'Primo,' ” he said.