Decision on Rebuilding of 2 Liquor Outlets Postponed

The Los Angeles Planning Commission postponed a decision Thursday on rebuilding plans submitted for two South Los Angeles liquor outlets destroyed in the riots.

The hearings--the first scheduled in the city for store owners seeking to resume sales of alcohol in the wake of the riots--were rescheduled for next month.

Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas sought the delay until new city incentives are in place to persuade owners to set up other businesses.

One ordinance--introduced by Ridley-Thomas and pending in the City Council--would grant owners more floor space if they agree not to sell alcohol. Grants and low-interest loans are also being considered, the councilman said.

“There’re more ways to make money in South Los Angeles than to sell liquor,” he said. “We want to assist owners in doing that.”

In addition, a task force of community residents and liquor store owners appointed by the mayor is expected to issue a report in late September suggesting incentives that could be offered merchants.

The two market owners seeking permission to rebuild are Don S. Jong, whose market is at 3600 S. Normandie Ave., and David Yong Kim, owner of Steve’s Liquor at 1501 East 22nd St. Jong’s case will be heard Oct. 1 and Kim’s on Oct. 15.

Kim said he will meet before the hearing with community residents, many of whom went to City Hall on Thursday to protest loitering and other past problems at the store. Kim’s store was fined in 1989 for selling liquor to a minor.

Karen Bass, director of a community coalition waging a campaign against alcohol sales, said: “We will attempt to renegotiate with Kim to re-establish without the sale of alcohol.” The commission has scheduled its next hearing on a destroyed liquor outlet for Sept. 17, when it will consider plans submitted by an Arco gas station and mini-mart at 4400 S. Broadway. State officials said the business was fined $1,228 in 1990 for selling liquor to a minor.