Hearing for another liquor license is next week

As a 30-year Fallbrook resident and five-year community crime prevention activist, I would like to rally citizens’ support for the safety of this community and our Sheriff’s Department. Lieutenant Alex Dominguez recently showed tremendous fortitude in a formal letter to the Department of Planning and Land Use (DPLU) citing the potential burden on law enforcement of a liquor license permit to Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, 1101 South Main Avenue.

Lt. Dominguez stated in his letter that an additional ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) license in this high-crime area would potentially result in an increase of calls for law enforcement services. It proved to be one of the determining factors for DPLU’s denial of the Fresh & Easy liquor license. Now Fresh & Easy has appealed and there is to be a public hearing.

In this specific census tract, businesses and neighborhoods have already experienced high crime. ABC recommends only four in this census tract and we, the citizens, have allowed seven to be approved. Research demonstrates a direct correlation between the sale of alcohol and crime. The more readily available it is, the higher the sale volume, increased consumption, abuse and rise in crime. Additionally, the greater the number of sources, the more difficult it is for police with the increased risk of theft and crime. Why should we burden our local law enforcement and put our community at risk?

We can show the same courage as Lt. Dominguez did and write – before August 10 – to the Department of Planning and Land Use, 5201 Ruffin Rd., Ste. B, San Diego, CA 92123, or e-mail Michael Johnson at [email protected] and ask them to deny a liquor license Type 21 (off sale, general) ABC permit to Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market under the Determination of Public Convenience or Necessity.

You are invited to attend the public hearing and show your concern on August 10 in the DPLU Hearing Room, 5201 Ruffin Road, at 9 p.m. Call Michael Johnson on August 9 to confirm no postponement of date.

Pat Braendel