Title
Liquor License - Cantina LA 43 - District 4
Description
Request for a liquor license. Arizona State License Application 358680.
License Information
Summary
Applicant
Theresa Morse, Agent
License Type
Series 6 - Bar
Location
4228 W. Van Buren Street
Zoning Classification: C-3
Council District: 4
This request is for an ownership transfer of a liquor license for a bar. This location was previously licensed for liquor sales and may currently operate with an interim permit. This location requires a Use Permit to allow outdoor dining and outdoor alcohol consumption.
The 60-day limit for processing this application is November 3, 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
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 qualified to own and operate this bar as I have approximately 5 years working in the liquor industry. I have taken both Basic and Management Liquor Law training and I and my staff will take the training in October to ensure all employees are familiar with valid ID's and to recognize obvious intoxicated customer. The employees will be instructed to notice myself so I can arrange safe transportation and/or remove the person if they arrived obviously intoxicated. I am looking forward to owning a business in Phoenix.”
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 an existing bar that has been servicing the neighborhood community since 1/19/2022. This application is a person to person transfer not a location transfer requiring to qualify on location. The owner will maintain a friendly atmosphere for customers and the bar will continue to be in the best interest of the community. If there are any questions or concerns even though this is a person to person transfer the owner will be available to answer questions."
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 - Cantina LA 43 - Data
Attachment B - Cantina LA 43 - Map
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Alan Stephenson and the City Clerk Department.