Statement by Mayor Lamar Thorpe Regarding Call to Ban Liquor Stores

Statement by Mayor Lamar Thorpe Regarding the Call by Councilwoman Monica Wilson and City Commission Dominique King to Ban Liquor Stores in Antioch:

"I want to thank Councilwoman Monica Wilson, Vice Chair Dominique King of the Parks and Recreation Commission, and various community members for seeking my attention to this matter.

After careful consideration, I've decided to move forward with the appeal of the Planning Commission's recent decision to approve a new liquor/convenience store close to the intersection of Somerville and Buchanan Rds. The appeals hearing is set for March 14, 2023, at 7:00 pm.

In addition, I've scheduled a special meeting on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 5:00 pm to discuss moving forward with an urgency ordinance that temporarily bans any new liquor store applications. Unlike more legislative decisions, an urgency ordinance requires 4 out of the 5 council members including the mayor to agree in order to move forward.

Lastly, I agree with Councilwomen Wilson on the need for comprehensive legislation that limits new liquor stores in Antioch and considers 1.) oversaturation, 2.) crime levels, 3.) the Healthy Community Index (HCI), and 4.) current operators who have played by the rules."