Council members voted 6-1on Dec. 6 to approve stricter guidelines pertaining to alcohol sales at gas stations, which have been prohibited from selling alcohol since a1985 ban was enacted.

The council approved lifting the ban in October, but voted to add more conditions to make the ordinance stricter.

The tougher rules are outlined in a memo written by District 1 Councilwoman Linda LeZotte, District 3 Councilwoman Cindy Chavez, District 5 Councilwoman Nora Campos and District 9 Councilwoman Judy Chirco. The conditions prohibit one-can sales of alcohol and any fortified or malt liquor.

"The point and goal is to hold people accountable for liquor licenses," Chavez said.

Mayor Ron Gonzales, District 8 Councilman Dave Cortese and Campos were absent. District 4 Councilman Chuck Reed abstained from voting because he has a client who is a station owner.

Four station owners and gas company representatives who spoke at the meeting were pleased at the ban's reversal, which they said was needed in order for business owners to increase their overall sales. David Joines, a Union 76 owner for the past 15 years, sent out a petition to 50 other station owners two years ago.

"It stated we are in this for food marts to revitalize our business. We have no interest in selling fortified alcohol," he said at the meeting. "This is a proud day for us."

Community members were also pleased that the council listened to their concerns about lifting the ban. In earlier hearings, residents have said that additional liquor outlets would be detrimental in some neighborhoods where there is already an abundance of places to buy alcohol. Consequently, the city is prohibiting sales in Strong Neighborhood Initiative areas, as well as near schools, parks and residences.

Ed Rast, a Willow Glen activist, called the gas ordinance "a good compromise" and said that residents support businesses being able to expand and increase their revenue.

District 7 Councilwoman Madison Nguyen, who cast the sole no vote, said that her district already had a proliferation of liquor outlets.

John Zamora was the only community member to speak out against the changes.

"To sell liquor of any kind [at a gas station] is close to saying it's okay to drink and drive," he said. "If you approve this, you would be going against anyone who has lost a loved one to drinking and driving."