Title
Liquor License - Authentic Liberian Cuisine
Description
Request for a liquor license. Arizona State License Application 154904.
License Information
Summary
Applicant
Louis Vaagbay, Agent
License Type
Series 12 - Restaurant
Location
7017 N. 19th Ave.
Zoning Classification: C-2
Council District: 5
This request is for a new liquor license for a restaurant. This location was not previously licensed for liquor sales and does not have an interim permit.
The 60-day limit for processing this application was Sept. 7, 2021. 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
No protest or support letters were received within the 20-day public comment period.
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:
“Authentic Liberian Cuisine is a dine-in and take-out restaurant with 10+ seating capacity, and has the capacity of adding more seating if necessitated by demand.”
The public convenience requires and the best interest of the community will be substantially served by the issuance of the liquor license because:
“This is a full-service restaurant serving the surrounding community and visiting public patrons every single day of the week. While alcoholic beverage sales will generate a small percentage of the overall sales, the investment in a Alcohol license is requested as a service and convenience to the customers as an integral part of the dining experience. Authentic Liberian Cuisine is a class 4 restaurant located in the heart of Phoenix that specializes in the preparation of unique West African dishes. The restaurant is open for business and continues to be extremely desirable to the public by providing area residents, visitors and workers with a selection of authentic food at a reasonable price. The inclusion of a license for incidental alcohol sales with food will allow patrons the same service that they would experience at other local restaurants. We strive to become a valuable member of the community and continue to work hard to help the neighborhood achieve their development goal and continually improve the character of the neighborhood.”
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of this application.
Attachments
Liquor License Data - Authentic Liberian Cuisine
Liquor License Map - Authentic Liberian Cuisine
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Toni Maccarone and the City Clerk Department.