To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: LUKE SMUDE, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
TITLE
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ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY ORDINANCE NO. 3324-26 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 10, CHAPTER 5, SECTION 10-5.1602 PERTAINING TO GENERAL FOOD SALES, INCLUSIVE OF BEER AND WINE, AT SERVICE STATIONS (IN THE COASTAL ZONE), AND DETERMINING SUCH AMENDMENTS AS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT. FOR SECOND READING AND ADOPTION
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As part of a continued public hearing on October 20, 2026, the attached Ordinance authorizing general food sales, inclusive of beer and wine, at service stations in the City’s coastal zone was approved by the Council for first reading and introduction. The Ordinance is now ready for consideration of second reading and adoption.
BACKGROUND
There are currently 10 service stations in the City of Redondo Beach, two of which are in the coastal portion of the City. At this time, service stations in the City’s Coastal Zone are only permitted to sell incidental convenience items for the immediate consumption of the motoring public. This class of goods includes soft drinks, candy, cigarettes, and other small items.
The Ordinance being presented for second reading and adoption would amend the Redondo Beach Municipal Code (RBMC) to allow the sale of general grocery items at service stations, inclusive of beer and wine, in the City’s Coastal Zone. The Ordinance includes provisions required by Business and Professions Code (BPC) Section 23790.5, which sets minimum state standards as follows:
• No beer or wine shall be displayed within five feet of the cash register or the front door unless it is in a permanently affixed cooler
• No advertisement of alcoholic beverages shall be displayed at motor fuel islands
• No sale of alcoholic beverages shall be made from a drive-in window
• No display or sale of beer or wine shall be made from an ice tub
• No beer or wine advertising shall be located on motor fuel islands and no self- illuminated advertising for beer or wine shall be located on buildings or windows
• Employees on duty between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. who sell beer or wine shall be at least 21 years of age to sell beer and wine
Under California law, the City Council also has the discretion to implement additional regulations beyond what is required by the California BPC. As such, the draft Ordinance contains additional restrictions that could be applied by the City through an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) process including, but not limited to:
• Compliance with all conditions required by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
• Explicit limiting of alcohol sales to beer and wine
• Limiting the percentage of retail space dedicated to alcohol sales
• Requiring that coolers containing beer and wine be locked during hours they are not actively being sold
• Prohibiting single serve/individual containers of alcohol
• Prohibiting advertising of alcohol visible from the location’s exterior
• Ensuring that the proposed hours of operation are complementary, and will not negatively impact, the surrounding business district
• Prohibition on electronic games
If adopted, the Ordinance amending RBMC Title 10, Chapter 5, Section 10-5.1602 Service Stations will be forwarded to, and require certification from, the California Coastal Commission. Resolution No. CC-2610-085 was adopted by the City Council on October 20, 2026 approving forwarding the Ordinance to the Coastal Commission, which would become effective immediately following their approval.
COORDINATION
This item was coordinated with the Community Development Department, City Manager’s Office, and the Police Department. The City Attorney’s Office prepared the updated Ordinance.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the preparation of this item.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Ord No. 3324-26 - Amending RBMC Title 10, Chapter 5, Section 10-5.1602 - General Food Sales Service Stations Coastal
• Reso No. CC-2610-085 - Requesting Certification by the California Coastal Commission for Amendments to the Coastal Land Use Plan Implementing Ordinance Title 10, Chapter 5, Section 10-5.1602 - General Food Sales Service Stations Coastal
• Administrative Report - City Council, October 20, 2026
• Administrative Report - City Council, October 13, 2026
• Administrative Report - City Council, January 13, 2026
• Reso - No. 2026-05-PCR-06, Planning Commission, May 21, 2026
• Administrative Report - Planning Commission, May 21, 2026
• Ord - #1971-2044
• California Code Business and Professions Code - BPC § 23790.5
• Public Hearing Notice - October 1, 2026
• Notice of Continued Public Hearing, October 14, 2026