Alcohol sales rejected

An attempt by a local mini mart owner to get a conditional use permit to sell beer, wine and alcohol failed when the Chula Vista City Council unanimously denied his request.

During a public hearing Tuesday at City Hall, council members heard a staff report regarding the request of Unocal gas station owner Kamal Nona.

Nona, who has owned and operated Unocal at Melrose and East Orange Avenue for six years, applied for an alcoholic beverage license with the state’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control earlier this year.

On Sept. 11, Lewis Brewer filed an appeal of the decision. He spoke in opposition Tuesday to granting Nona the license.

“I’m here to oppose the 76 Unocal smoke shop…” Brewer said. “In 2008, when 76 applied for the (CUP), the Chula Vista Police Department had deemed it wasn’t necessary or desirable because there were already three there. The census tract hasn’t really changed.”

Brewer also said it was a safety issue.

“Melrose Avenue with Orange coming from the west … is a thoroughfare for the kids coming from the local schools,” he said. “It’s a safety concern to me there is a potential hazard for children.”