The Salinas Planning Commission voted on Nov. 19 to deny Conditional Use Permit 2025‑023, a request to convert 1018 North Davis Road (Laurel West Shopping Center) into an off‑sale alcohol outlet (Type 21) proposed as “Clink Liquor Store.” Senior planner Tom Miles told the commission the applicant, Simon Amaida, proposed a 2,618‑square‑foot tenant space currently occupied by Law Lon Smoke Shop; the property owner is listed as Rexford Title Incorporated.

Why the commission acted: Commissioners said the tract already has more off‑sale licenses than the California Alcohol Beverage Control’s allowance for the census tract and that approving the CUP would increase ‘‘undue concentration.’’ Tom Miles summarized staff’s analysis: Census Tract 1802 allows five off‑sale alcohol licenses; six are currently active and approval would bring the total to seven. Commissioner Ruck said the proposed store appeared to be ‘‘really [an] alcohol store as opposed to a convenience store’’ and noted one existing outlet is about 500 feet away, calling the new outlet ‘‘walkable’’ for nearby residents and schoolchildren.

Police input and hours: Sergeant Gerardo Magana of the Salinas Police Department told the commission he evaluates location and surrounding businesses when responding to CUP referrals and said other alcohol vendors (Vallarta supermarket, Mountain Mike’s) already serve the shopping center. Magana offered to provide DUI and injury statistics for the area after the meeting. Staff reported proposed hours would be 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the CUP as drafted would prohibit alcohol sales between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and require coolers containing alcohol to be locked during prohibited hours.

Public comment and youth access concerns: Public commenters raised questions about flavored tobacco restrictions and how the business would verify IDs for alcohol and tobacco sales. One speaker, identified in the record as Jose (variant spellings in transcript), urged strict ID checks and said youth previously used relatives’ IDs to buy restricted products.

Vote and next steps: Commissioner Ruck moved to deny the CUP, Commissioner Purnell seconded, and the motion carried on roll call (Commissioner Rocamora: No; Commissioner Meeks: Yes; Commissioner Ruck: Yes; Commissioner Purnell: Yes; Chairperson McKayla Dave: No). Staff said it would prepare a denial resolution reflecting the commission’s findings; the decision is effective after a 10‑day appeal period, during which any party with standing may file an appeal with the Community Development Department.

What staff had recommended: The staff report recommended approval with conditions and included analyses of undue concentration, proximity to residences and schools, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption considerations. The commission’s action replaces the staff recommendation and directs staff to draft a denial resolution for the record.