NATIONAL CITY OK OF 2 ALCOHOL PERMITS QUESTIONED AT MEETING

National City planning commissioners on Monday approved permits that will allow two local businesses to sell beer, wine and liquor as early as 6 a.m., votes that prompted a conversation about public safety.

One of the votes greenlighted the sale of beer and wine for onsite consumption at Hero’s Café, located at the base of the Bayview Tower condominiums on National City Boulevard. It will be allowed to sell drinks between its daily operating hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Commissioners looked at location and distance requirements and a risk assessment from the Police

Department, but the 5-1 vote revolved around the business’ operating hours. Commissioner Luis Natividad cast the lone “no” vote and Chair Maria Dela Paz did not attend the meeting.

“I have problems with the hours. I think 6 o’clock, 7 o’clock in the morning is too early to be drinking beer and wine,” said Natividad, who added that as a small businessman, he is “not against small businesses; I’m against drinking early in the morning.”

He proposed the permit hours be changed to start at 8 a.m., but the motion failed to pass.

“We’ve got business owners who are obviously trying to keep their doors open during this pandemic,” said Commissioner Claudia Valenzuela.

“In addition to that, they’ve added this as an added benefit to their business in the hopes that they might make a little more money.”

National City Police Sgt. Wade Walters said that in the 20 years he has worked in law enforcement, the department has not had issues with businesses that sell alcohol and open early.

A member of the public, who submitted a written comment, agreed with Valenzuela, saying that “having another place that sells alcohol so close by should only improve business and liven up the surrounding area.” Resident Joann Rincon said the permit should have been denied because