Sonoma City Council has voted to put the liquor back into Plaza Liquors. The unanimous decision, overriding an earlier denial by Police Chief Bret Sackett, clears the way for Christian Chotowski to apply for a full off-sale liquor license from the ABC. That “Type 21” license is a precious commodity – only five will be awarded in the entire county this year, and Chotowski won the right to apply for one of them through an ABC lottery.
The liquor store could be re-stocked and running within 90 days. Chotowski must first clear a background check and other ABC formalities. If granted the license, he plans to take over the business and sign a lease for the space at 19 W. Napa St.
Plaza Liquors had its ABC license revoked in Dec. 2008 due to what Sackett said were multiple sales of alcohol to minors. A clear change in ownership would make that bust a moot point. “While this information should not reflect negatively on the applicant, I think it is important background information to know,” Sackett told the council.
In his recommendation to deny the appeal, Sackett said the store is located in an area that has an over concentration of off-sale licenses. “It should also be noted that we’ve experienced a noticeable reduction, nearly 20 percent, in alcohol-related arrests near the Plaza,” Sackett reported. “While I’m sure not all those can be attributed to Plaza Liquors, and it may be unfair to do so, I believe it does suggest that alcohol availability near the Plaza could contribute to increased criminal activity.”
The council, focusing on the value of family businesses in Sonoma, voted 4-0 to grant Chotowski’s appeal; Councilor Steve Barbose recused himself from the vote as he is a lawyer for the building’s owner.
When it reopens the familiar storefront will bear a new name, as the old one ceased to exist when the liquor license was revoked.
