A city official in San Diego’s El Cajon community wants to make a change that will set a precedent nationwide when it comes to selling alcohol to minors.
City councilmember Gary Kendrick led the way for El Cajon’s already-implemented alcohol sale ordinance – the Deemed Approved Ordinance (DAO) – which is the toughest of its kind in San Diego County.
Passed in 2013, it gives the city the ability to restrict or revoke alcohol sale privileges in El Cajon if a local business sells alcohol to a minor or to an intoxicated customer.
Now, Kendrick said he wants the ordinance to be the strictest in the nation.
“I’m ready to ask the City Council to create an ordinance that will be the toughest in the United States to stop selling alcohol to children,” Kendrick told NBC 7 Friday night.
“Liquor stores are still selling alcohol to our children. I want the strictest ordinance that will pass Constitutional muster,” he added.
Kendrick said he wants to put the ordinance on the ballot. If passed, it would become part of the city charter, meaning it would be more permanent.
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“The second thing we will do is increase the penalties substantially for selling alcohol to children,” he explained.
Mark Arabo is the president of the Neighborhood Market Association, which represents small businesses. A couple of years ago he opposed the ordinance, but he has since had a change of heart.
“The main thing with legislation, it's all about implementation. As we see it's implemented wisely, we were 100 percent on board right when it passed,” said Arabo. “We’re happy they’re taking the step forward.”
On his end, Arabo said he’ll do even more to support the stricter measure.
“If any store or market violates this ordinance, they’re automatically terminated from the Neighborhood Market Association,” he said.
Kendrick said he welcomes Arabo’s support.
“I will welcome him with open arms if his feelings are truly genuine and his actions show he truly wants to stop the sale of alcohol to children,” said the city councilmember.
On Tuesday, Kendrick will publicly meet with other city councilmembers and the City Attorney to talk about the ordinance. A news conference is expected to follow.
