Title
Liquor License - KZ Beer & Smoke Shop - District 1
Description
Request for a liquor license. Arizona State License Application 349621.
License Information
Summary
Applicant
Theresa Morse, Agent
License Type
Series 10 - Beer and Wine Store
Location
15440 N. 35th Avenue, Suites 1 & 2
Zoning Classification: C-2
Council District: 1
This request is for a new liquor license for a beer and wine store. 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 and a Variance to allow a drive-through window.
The 60-day limit for processing this application was August 10, 2025. 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
The ownership of this business has an interest in other active liquor license(s) in the State of Arizona. This information is listed below and includes liquor license violations on file with the AZ Department of Liquor Licenses and Control and, for locations within the boundaries of Phoenix, the number of aggregate calls for police service within the last 12 months for the address listed.
51st Beer & Wine (Series 10)
13804 N. 51st Avenue, Glendale
Calls for police service: N/A - not in Phoenix
Liquor license violations: In October 2023, a fine of $200 was paid for not having a current agent on file. In October 2024, a fine of $2,500 was paid for failure to request an ID from an underage buyer, for selling, giving, or furnishing an underage person with alcohol, and for not having a current agent on file.
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:
“I am capable, qualified and reliable to own and operate a liquor license because I have another beer and wine convenience store in Glendale (51st Beer & Wine). I will be attending the basic and management liquor law training again and will utilizle the approved device to check possible underage. Unfortunately, one of my employees at my Glendale store failed tocheck ID and sold to an underage buyer. Consequently, I paid a fine to the. AZ Department of Liquor. This occurred on November 30, 2024. I had no other violations.”
The public convenience requires and the best interest of the community will be substantially served by the issuance of the liquor license because:
“My store will be convenient to the community rather than having to frequent big box stores In addition, I plan on working with the neighborhood to support them and curb any crime in the area. I will uphold Arizona liquor laws, all City of Phoenix ordinances and provide support to the neighboring community by attending meetings and assisting with neighborhood events. I look forward having this new business in the City of Phoenix.”
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of this application noting 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 - KZ Beer & Smoke Shop - Data
Attachment B - KZ Beer & Smoke Shop - Map
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Alan Stephenson and the City Clerk Department.