Title
Liquor License - AN Smoke Shop - District 3
Description
Request for a liquor license. Arizona State License Application 371676.
License Information
Summary
Applicant
Rebhi Awawdah, Agent
License Type
Series 10 - Beer and Wine Store
Location
910-912 W. Hatcher Road
Zoning Classification: C-2
Council District: 3
This request is for a new liquor license for a tobacco shop. This location was not previously licensed for liquor sales and does not have an interim permit. This location requires a Use Permit to allow package liquor sales.
The 60-day limit for processing this application was March 29, 2026. However, the applicant submitted a written request for more time.
Pursuant to A.R.S. 4-203, a spirituous liquor license shall be issued only after satisfactory showing of the capability, qualifications and reliability of the applicant and that the public convenience and the best interest of the community will be substantially served by the issuance. If an application is filed for the issuance of a license for a location, that on the date the application is filed has a valid license of the same series issued at that location, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the public convenience and best interest of the community at that location was established at the time the location was previously licensed. The presumption shall not apply once the licensed location has not been in use for more than 180 days.
Other Active Liquor License Interest in Arizona
This applicant does not hold an interest in any other active liquor license in the State of Arizona.
Public Opinion
Three valid letters protesting the issuance of this license have been received and are on file in the Office of the City Clerk. The letters are from the Hatcher Urban Business Neighborhood Association and local residents. They do not support the issuance of this new liquor license. They are concerned with the existing number of beer and wine store and liquor store licenses in the area, and feel that adding this new license does not meet the need and convenience of the neighborhood. They believe that adding a new beer and wine store license with a smoke shop does not align with the neighborhoods character, needs, or current efforts to improve the community. They are also concerned that the issuance of this new license will have a negative effect on their ongoing efforts to reduce crime and blight in their community.
Applicant’s Statement
The applicant submitted the following statement in support of this application. Spelling, grammar and punctuation in the statement are shown exactly as written by the applicant on the City Questionnaire.
I have the capability, reliability and qualifications to hold a liquor license because:
“I hold a certificate for basis Liquor Law Training to sell beer. I have never been involved in any criminal activity never been in trouble with the law.”
The public convenience requires and the best interest of the community will be substantially served by the issuance of the liquor license because:
“This store will provide a safe place for the neighborhood to buy beer & wine. The location will be convenient for the neighborhood.”
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends disapproval of this application based on the neighborhood protests. Staff also notes that the applicant must resolve any pending City of Phoenix building and zoning requirements, and be in compliance with the CIty of Phoenix Code and Ordinances.
Attachments
Attachment A - AN Smoke Shop - Data
Attachment B - AN Smoke Shop - Map
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Alan Stephenson and the City Clerk Department.