Title
Liquor License - Dino Mart - District 3
Description
Request for a liquor license. Arizona State License Application 405693.
License Information
Summary
Applicant
Lauren Merrett, Agent
License Type
Series 10 - Beer and Wine Store
Location
1602 E. Bell Road
Zoning Classification: C-2
Council District: 3
This request is for a new liquor license for a convenience store that sells gas. This location was previously licensed for liquor sales and may currently operate with an interim permit.
The 60-day limit for processing this application is September 12, 2026.
Pursuant to A.R.S. Section 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 information is not provided due to the multiple ownership interests held by the applicant 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:
“Akbar Rajwani is confident in his ability to responsibly manage and operate a business with a liquor license, supported by a track record of reliability and qualifications. Mr. Rajwani's experience, commitment to compliance, and understanding of regulatory requirements make him a suitable candidate for holding a liquor license in the city of Phoenix.”
The public convenience requires and the best interest of the community will be substantially served by the issuance of the liquor license because:
“The issuance of the liquor license is deemed necessary for public convenience and is in the best interest of the community. This decision is grounded in careful consideration of factors that contribute to the overall well-being of our community, fostering responsible and regulated access to alcoholic beverages.”
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of this application.
Attachments
Attachment A - Dino Mart - Data
Attachment B - Dino Mart - Map
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Alan Stephenson and the City Clerk Department.