Title
Liquor License - Hatcher Beer and Smoke Shop - District 3
Description
Request for a liquor license. Arizona State License Application 331354.
License Information
Summary
Applicant
Rebhi Awawdah, Agent
License Type
Series 10 - Beer and Wine Store
Location
9501 N. 7th Street
Zoning Classification: C-2
Council District: 3
This request is for a new liquor license for a tobacco shop. This location was previously licensed for liquor sales with a Series 6 - Bar, liquor license and does not have an interim permit. This location requires a Use Permit to allow packaged liquor sales.
The 60-day limit for processing this application is May 4, 2025.
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
Four 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 Sunnyslope Village Alliance, the Villa Sierra Madre Block Watch, PHX Luv Neighborhood Association, and the Sunnyslope Historical Society. 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 'The Basic Liquor Law Training'. This training provided me the opportunity of learning the importance and significance of obtaining a beer and wine license. I am assured to uphold the laws and regulations about beer and wine license. I have never been involved in any criminal activity, no record of getting in trouble with law and authorities.”
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 and secure place for the neighborhood to buy beer and wine. The location will be convenient for the people in neighborhood who may not have access to transportation. Adding the long time experience of the managing a convenience store while upholding all the laws and regulations, the store will be safe, secure and convenience place for the customers to purchase quality alcohol.”
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends disapproval of this application based on neighborhood protests. Staff also notes 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 - Hatcher Beer and Smoke Shop - Data
Attachment B - Hatcher Beer and Smoke Shop - Map
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Ginger Spencer and the City Clerk Department.