The Irvine City Council voted unanimously to approve the second reading of the proposed alcohol ordinance when they met Monday night in a special called meeting.
City Attorney Rodney Davis read a summary of the 25-page ordinance which contains regulations on licensing, hours when alcohol can be sold, display of licenses and signs, as well as several other conditions, prohibitions and restrictions.
The document states that the Irvine City Council has determined that an economic hardship exists with the city, and the sale of alcohol beverages by the drink could aid economic growth.
It states that there will be mandatory responsible beverage service training, and it provides rules for signs and advertising. The ordinance states that responsibility for alcohol beverage control is given to the Police Chief.
Irvine Police Chief Brad Smith, the designated alcohol beverage commissioner, said after the meeting that “we are officially ready” to begin the application process locally. Conditions for appealing orders of the city ABC administrator are spelled out in the ordinance, as well as a fee schedule for several kinds of licenses ranging for distiller’s license, to special temporary licenses, to caterer’s license, to microbrewery licenses.
According to 120.22 in the ordinance, all city licenses except special temporary ones are valid for no more than a year. The application process begins with the city, but some of the licenses are granted by the state, including the quota packaged liquor sales. Irvine is allotted two liquor stores based on the population of the city.
The city has 30 days to approve or disapprove an original application, or 15 days to renew a city license. Terms for denial of applications are spelled out, as well as change in ownership and transfer of license.
Restrictions are named for any licensed retailer regarding sampling. Hours of sale are also clarified. Alcohol sales are not permitted on Sundays or whenever the polls are open. Gambling is not permitted on any of the licensed premises. There are restrictions on happy hours, and adult entertainment activities are prohibited.
Drive-through outlets for the sale of alcohol beverages are permitted if certain conditions are met. Penalties for violating the provisions of the ordinance are listed, including fines and required terms in jail.
Anyone who would like to view the ordinance or ask questions concerning the sale of alcoholic beverages in the city of Irvine should contact Irvine City Hall or Police Chief Brad Smith.