Title
Liquor License - 27th Ave Market - District 1
Description
Request for a liquor license. Arizona State License Application 374973.
License Information
Summary
Applicant
Ismail Abushanab, Agent
License Type
Series 10 - Beer and Wine Store
Location
8617 N. 27th Avenue
Zoning Classification: C-2
Council District: 1
This request is for a new liquor license for a convenience store that does not sell gas. This location was previously licensed for liquor sales with a Series 9 - Liquor Store, liquor license and does not have an interim permit. This business has plans to open in April 2026.
The 60-day limit for processing this application is February 27, 2026.
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
One valid letter protesting the issuance of this license has been received and is on file in the Office of the City Clerk. The letter is from the director of Career Success Schools located next to the proposed liquor license establishment. The director is concerned with the close proximity of the establishment to the school. He believes a liquor license at the proposed location will negatively impact the safety, cleanliness, and environment surrounding the school. He feels that if this license is granted, it will contribute to a higher risk of loitering, substance-related activity and alcohol related behaviors.
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 have served as an employee, manager and agent on a convenience market business that was licensed with a Series 09 Liquor Store License. This business will be operated in compliance with the Arizona liquor laws and regulations.”
The public convenience requires and the best interest of the community will be substantially served by the issuance of the liquor license because:
“It will provide beer and wine products to the customers who will patronize the business to shop for convenience store grocery items. The prior management of the convenience store at this location did not cater or encourage underage buyers of alcohol. Under our new management, we will continue to vigorously enforce the laws against underage persons."
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends disapproval of this application based on a Street Transportation Department recommendation for disapproval, pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes 4-207, which restricts the issuance of a new liquor license at a location that is within 300 feet of a school. 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 - 27th Ave Market - Data
Attachment B - 27th Ave Market - Map
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Alan Stephenson and the City Clerk Department.