New Rules on Existing 24-Hour Stores Rejected

BURBANK — The City Council on Tuesday night backed off a proposal to place new restrictions on existing 24-hour convenience stores, but the city will continue to consider requiring special permits for new stores.

The council, which was a leader two years ago in drafting new requirements for late-night fast-food restaurants, had proposed requiring that all 24-hour stores near homes obtain conditional use permits. That would give the city the power to impose specific restrictions on individual operations, as conditions for granting or renewing the permit.

Following testimony against the measure from representatives of Sav-on; Hughes, Vons and Ralphs markets; ARCO, and the Southland Corp.--which runs 7-Elevens--the council voted 3 to 1 to consider a revised measure that would exempt existing 24-hour stores.

All-night stores serve a need, said Sam Ezzati, owner of two Burbank 7-Elevens, and should not be subjected to extra rules.

“7-Eleven is like 911,” he said.

One resident spoke in favor of a stricter measure. “All we’ve ever asked here in Burbank is to keep it down to a dull roar,” Mike Nolan said.

Burbank wants the power to regulate all-night stores to protect neighborhoods, said Councilman Ted McConkey, who favored the more restrictive proposal. “I don’t think it makes a difference if no other city has these [requirements]. Burbank wants to be a leader,” he said.