Beer, Wine Coming to Starbucks?

By DEBORAH STAMBLER | Contributing Writer

At the Jan. 14 Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) meeting, the agenda included a briefing by Federal Aviation Administration officials about potential new flight paths over the Palisades along with discussion and Q & A. (See “FAA” story on page 1.) The other main topic on the agenda focused on Starbucks at 15300 Sunset Blvd. in the Village, which has applied for a CUP to sell wine and beer onsite.

Spencer Regnery of Glassman Planning Associates presented Starbucks’ proposed new evening food menu that would accompany wine and beer sales. Regnery stressed that at other locations,  the food menu generates more in sales than alcohol.

“We have a perfect situation where people like to come, sit and relax and we like to provide our customers with an option to have a beer or wine if they like,” Regnery said.

“And that’s what this is about—providing something different in the evenings for our customers,” Regnery continued. “We’re also adding some delicious food items. It’s all about enhancing the experience.”

Not everyone from the PPCC board saw it that way. In the discussion that followed the presentation, board members and residents had many questions for Regnery.

One of the concerns brought up was the possible increase in line length as people would be required to show ID when purchasing alcohol. Other concerns included the fact that alcohol sales don’t necessarily equate with a family-friendly atmosphere, a lack of seating, noise levels on the patio and proposed hours of alcohol sales. No motion was made or position taken on the Starbucks CUP by the PPCC.

Area 8 Representative Reza Akef proposed sending a letter that outlines the PPCC concerns to the Los Angeles City Council with a request for a written response from Starbucks prior to the City Council hearing scheduled for Jan. 26.

Regnery indicated that Starbucks would like the opportunity to address any concerns from the board and residents.

PPCC Vice President Maryam Zar reminded the board and audience that the LA Homeless Service Authority is sponsoring the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count, which will take place in the Palisades on Jan. 28.

Volunteers are still being registered at theycountwillyou.org. People interested in participating can also meet at Mercer Hall at Palisades Charter High School at 4:30 a.m. on the day of the count.

The next PPCC meeting will be held on Jan. 28.