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| 16 September 2000 - The San Diego Union-Tribune South Bay community wants no part of 99 cent alcohol Community rallies against "99 Cents Only" ABC application IMPERIAL BEACH – Residents, business owners, and employees of the Nestor and Imperial Beach community gathered near the "99 Cents Only" store on Palm Avenue to protest the approval of an application by the store to sell beer and wine. Over 60 formal protests have been filed to the application, which is pending license with Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). "We are concerned about youth's access to alcohol. This is a favorite place for teenagers to gather and the inexpensive beer and wine makes it more affordable for them," said Teddye Gentry, Prevention Specialist with Reach Out to Families resource Center. "These licenses are supposed to be issued on the basis of necessity and public convenience. There are nine offsale outlets in this area. It is supposed to allow only four. It's already saturated," Gentry added. A concern heard from residents outside of the area is that granting an ABC license to the store near Imperial Beach could set a precedent for other "99 Cents Only" stores and their look-alikes. There are eight "99 Cents Only" stores in San Diego County and many similarly named stores. None have license to sell alcohol. However, the "99 Cents Only" stores plan seeking a license for all of their stores. An application was recently denied at 121 Louisiana Ave. in San Ysidro because, according to San Diego Police Department, it would contribute to the drinking problems at the border. Alcohol, as with other commodities, is subject to economic laws of supply and demand. As a product becomes less costly, demand is increased. A decrease in the price of alcohol usually leads to a rise in consumption. Locals contend that ABC licensing for the store on Palm Avenue, which is near the entrance to the community of Imperial Beach would increase drinking problems in the neighborhood. The store sits next to a family trailer park where children reside, and there is a family apartment building across the street. Alcohol is the most abused drug by youth, and is associated with the leading causes of death for teens and young adults (vehicle crashes, homicides, and suicides). Article Snapshot (40K) |
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